HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7a. Open Space Winter Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Item 7a
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1005
For Agenda of: 10/19/2021
Placement: Public Hearing
Estimated Time: 120 minutes
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Robert Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources Official
SUBJECT: OPEN SPACE WINTER EVENING HOURS OF USE AT CERRO SAN LUIS
NATURAL RESERVE
RECOMMENDATION
1. Introduce an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo, California, amending Title 12, Streets Sidewalks and Public Places,
Municipal Code Chapter 12.22, Open Space Regulations, to add additional language
to 12.22.050(B) to allow a special program for winter evening hours of use at Cerro
San Luis Natural Reserve” and,
2. Approve a Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo, California, adopting a Negative Declaration for Winter Evening Hours of Use
at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve.”
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of San Luis Obispo owns and manages over 4,000 acres of open space lands
that feature a trail network totaling over 55 miles for passive recreation purposes, and
also administers open space easements and conservation easements that permanently
protect over 3,500 acres of land within the City’s Greenbelt for a total of approximately
7,500 acres. The City’s current Open Space Regulations allow for passive recreational
use of the City’s open space properties from one hour before sunrise until one hour after
sunset, unless otherwise approved by the Parks and Recreation Director (SLO Muni Code
12.22; 1998).
Between August 2016 and January 2018, the City Council considered testimony from
members of the public, a “Project Plan”, and a staff-prepared public policy “white paper”
and study session, leading to the authorization of a Pilot Program and adoption of a
Mitigated Negative Declaration to extend winter evening hours of use at the 118-acre
Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. These actions were responsive to the issue and request
for extended evening hours of use during winter months that arose following increased
enforcement of the City’s Open Space Regulations, including allowable hours of use ,
following concerns expressed from residents and surrounding neighbors.
On the basis of public testimony received in the timeframe leading up to the Pilot Program,
it is acknowledged that individuals and informal groups have been accessing Cerro San
Luis Natural Reserve during winter evening hours for many years.
Page 799 of 850
Item 7a
In 2015, the City’s Natural Resources Program partnered with faculty in the City and
Regional Planning Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis
Obispo, to conduct a wide-ranging survey of open space trends and levels of use, as well
as a needs assessment.
This study utilized an EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of human use and hours
of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, among several locations, including the
timeframe between December 2014 and March 2015 and during evening hours between
6:00 PM and 9:00 PM (City of San Luis Obispo, Open Space Survey. Riggs et. al. 2015).
It is through this study that the existing average daily baseline use of 65 individual s was
established.
Between November 2018 and March 2021, City staff administered the Pilot Program, to
include oversight and additional patrol during the published timeframes of the winter
evening hours, deployment of an EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of human use
and hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, as well as a new reservation
permitting system “app” in order to ensure that use during expanded hours remained
commensurate with existing average daily baseline use of 65 individuals.
At the conclusion of the Pilot Program, staff scheduled a study session with City Council
that took place on March 16, 2021, at which time Council voted to receive and file the
final summary report for the Pilot Program and to update the City’s Open Spac e
Regulations (SLO Muni Code chapter 12.22) to allow for the program to continue on an
ongoing basis only at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, with the requirement to use the
permitting system in the month of December only.
Previous Council Action
On January 16, 2018, the City Council approved Resolution 10858, which authorized a
two-year pilot program and adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) to expand
the hours of use at the Reserve until 8:30 PM during the winter when daylight savings is
in effect.1,2 The pilot program allowed the City to issue up to 65 permits daily for access
to approximately 4.9 miles of trails within City property at the 118-acre Cerro San Luis
Natural Reserve from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM when daylight savings time is
not in effect.
On November 17, 2020, the City approved a one -year extension of the pilot program and
adopted an Addendum to the 2018 MND.3 The pilot program took place during the winter
seasons of 2018-2019 (November 4 to March 10), 2019-2020 (November 3 to March 8),
and 2020-2021 (November 1 to March 14). The pilot program ended on March 14, 2021.
1 The City Council agenda and minutes for January 16, 2018 , are available on-line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=70272&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
2 The MND is available online at: https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/Project/2017091049
3 The City Council agenda, which includes the Addendum, and minutes for November 17, 2020 , are
available on-line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=131233&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
Page 800 of 850
Item 7a
On March 16, 2021, the majority of City Council voted to direct staff to implement a
permanent program for winter hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, and also
received and filed the Final Summary Report of findings from the Pilot Program.4
Policy Context
The City’s policy framework for open space management pertinent to this matter includes
the following:
1. General Plan, Conservation and Open Space Element (2006)
2. Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002)
3. Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Conservation Plan (2005)
4. Open Space Regulations, San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Ch apter 12.22. (Ord.
1332 § 1 (part), 1998)
In order to carry out Open Space Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural
Reserve, the City Council has directed staff to revise the City’s existing Open Space
Regulations (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22) to extend the public use
hours on the existing Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve trail system within City property. The
hours of use would be extended to between one hour before sunrise until 8:30 PM when
daylight savings time is not in effect. Public use hours when daylight savings is not in effect
would remain from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. The Open Space
Regulations are proposed to be revised as follows (proposed changes are shown in
underline text):
12.22.050(B): Presence in Open Space Lands Restricted to Certain
Hours – No Overnight Usage. Open space lands where public access is
permitted shall be open to the public from dawn to dusk. It shall be unlawful
to enter or remain within such lands between one hour after sunset and one
hour before sunrise of the following day without approval from the director.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City may implement a special program
at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve only that allows for extended hours of
use until 8:30 PM, Pacific Standard Time, when daylight savings time is not
in effect, in accordance with City Council Resolution R-[XXXXX] (2021
Series) adopted on October 19, 2021, or as such Resolution may be
subsequently amended by the Council consistent with the purpose of this
ordinance and the environmental review document supporting this
provision. All other provisions of the Open Space Regulations contained in
this Chapter 12.22 shall remain in effect
4 The City Council Agenda Report and presentation for March 16, 2021, are available on-line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=139031&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
The Final Summary Report attachment is available on-line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=139011&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
Page 801 of 850
Item 7a
Project Implementation
The project is proposed to be carried out in substantially the same manner as the Pilot
Program that took place during the winter seasons of 2018-19, 2019-2020, and 2020-21.
During the Pilot Program, a total of 3,160 permits were issued during the 2018-19 season,
2,747 permits were issued during the 2019-20 season, and 2,702 permits were issued
during the 2020-21 season. In total, 7,783 permits were issued, of which 826 were bikers
and 6,957 were hikers based on self -designation at the time of permit reservation. During
all three seasons, in general, less than the full amount of permits available were reserved
during the months of November and January through March. During the holiday season
in December, however, permits were typically fully subscribed, and Ranger Service had
to turn away numerous parties interested in accessing the Reserve at the trailhead and
instances of non-compliance were tracked.
For ongoing implementation as contemplate herein, the City’s Parks and Recreation
Department Ranger Service personnel would continue provide oversight and additional
patrol of the Reserve during the extended hours of use. In accordance with City Council
direction, the project description has been written such that a permit program would be
permanently implemented to limit access to the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve trail
system to 65 individuals during the extended hours during December, which had the
highest demand for night hiking during the pilot program , and a permit would not be
needed for access from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM during the months of
November and January through March. However, Ranger Service and Natural Resources
Program staff would deploy an EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of human use
and hours of use at the Reserve.
The EcoCounterTM device utilizes sensors to track pedestrians and cyclists accessing the
Reserve at the trailhead. If it is determined that use during the extended hours exceeds
the existing average daily baseline use of 65 individuals during the months of November
and January through March that was established prior to the Pilot Program, the permitting
system would be re-instated the day after the exceedance occurs for all program months
in order to ensure that use does not exceed 65 individuals ; this would require daily
retrieval of data from the device itself where it is located in the field. Re-instatement of the
permitting system would be communicated to the public via social media, the City website,
and rangers stationed at the trailhead. For purposes of operational and public
communication efficiency, however, staff strongly recommends that the City Council elect
to require permits for all program months at the time of adoption (see Alternative 1,
below).
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has developed information and educational
materials for the public that is specific to nighttime use and wildlife at the Reserve. These
materials will re-iterate the City’s rules and regulations in effect, as well as highlight the
sensitivity of evening use, potential for wildlife interactions and impacts, and methods to
avoid or reduce impacts, including requiring visitors to stay on established trails during
nighttime use. These informational materials will be available on the City’s website (with
potential to access on-site via a QR code), at the trailhead entrance of the Reserve, and
on pamphlets that can be handed out or placed in a rack on the kiosk at the entrance of
the Reserve. Permit applicants will be provided with the information and educational
Page 802 of 850
Item 7a
materials during the application process and be required to acknowledge receipt and
confirm understanding prior to receiving the permit.
Should the City Council choose to introduce the Ordinance and approve the Resolution
described in the recommendation, staff will schedule the second reading and final
adoption of the Ordinance for the City Council meeting on November 2, 2021. In
accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo’s authority to enact local ordinances, under
Government Code section 36937 an additional 30-day period is required after final
passage until an adopted ordinance can go into effect; accordingly, the soonest that the
ongoing Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve program could
begin is December 3, 2021. While this is nearly a month after daylight savings time ends,
it would still be timely in terms of when the program was most active during the Pilot
Program in the month of December.
Public Engagement
Staff conducted public engagement activities in accordance with the approved project
plan and the City’s Public Engagement and Noticing Manual throughout the process of
preparing, designing, and implementing the Pilot Program. To better understand
stakeholder concerns and preferences, informal interviews and communications were
conducted in February 2017 with the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo
(ECOSLO), the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Land Conservancy of San
Luis Obispo County, Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers, SLO Trail Runners, as
well as various individuals.
This topic generated considerable public interest during the course of the Pilot Program
process as demonstrated by significant levels of written and verbal comments at the City
Council meetings, in print and social media outlets, and with an online petition that was
submitted to the City Council. Staff have also been in contact with neighboring prop erty
owners. The stakeholder groups identified above were also notified and informed again
of the City Council agenda item.
CONCURRENCE
The Parks and Recreation Department, whose Ranger Service staff would administer the
project, concur with the content contained herein.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
An Initial Study and Environmental Review has been prepared for the project with
assistance from the firm Rincon Consultants that concludes “there is no substantial
evidence, in light of the whole of the record before the agency, that the project may have
a significant effect on the environment” and therefore a Negative Declaration is the
appropriate environmental determination in accordance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA Guidelines Section 15070 and 15075).
Less than significant impacts were identified in the areas of Aesthetics, Agriculture and
Forestry Resources, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and
Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Land Use and
Page 803 of 850
Item 7a
Planning, Noise, Public Services, Recreation, Transportation, Tribal and Cultural
Resources, Utilities/Service Systems, and Wildfire. Impacts that are individually li mited,
but could be “cumulatively considerable,” were also found to be less than significant.
Prior to the Pilot Program, the average daily use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM was recorded as 65 individuals, despite the
City’s existing Open Space Regulations provision that open space is closed one hour
after sunset. Therefore, the existing average baseline use that will be adhered to during
the ongoing Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve program is
65 individuals. Existing case law supports the establishment of existing, average baseline
conditions that are occurring in the environment as a basis for environmental review [see
Fat v. County of Sacramento (2002) 97 Cal.App.4th 1270; Communities for a Better
Environment v. South Coast Air Quality Management District, et al. (2010) 48 Cal.4th 310
(“Communities for a Better Environment); Communities for a Better Environment v. South
Coast Air Quality Management District (Tesoro Refining an d Marketing Company, LLC,
Real Party in Interest) (2nd Dist. 2020) 47 Cal.App.5th 588].
As required by Assembly Bill 52 of 2014 and Senate Bill 18 of 2004, the Tribal
Consultation Notification period began on August 2, 2021, prior to completion of the Initial
Study. Tribal Consultation Notifications were sent to historically and culturally affiliated
tribes on the Native American Heritage Commission list for San Luis Obispo County dated
as of August 2, 2021. While there are no tribes that have indicat ed that they would like
to initiate the consultation process, the City did receive a request from Mona Tucker-
Olivas on behalf of the yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini – Northern Chumash Tribe to include signs
that encourage visitors to not disturb wildlife (which has been incorporated into the project
description). The Northern Chumash Tribal Council also responded that they are opposed
to the project; on August 18, 2021, Fred Collins wrote in an email, “NCTC is opposed to
any nighttime hiking with bright lights and noise of human voices.”
On September 9, 2021, the Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration was filed with
the San Luis Obispo County-Clerk Recorder’s Office, the State Clearing House, and was
published in the New Times as a newspaper of general circulation in the area effected by
the proposed project. The Notice of Intent sets forth a 30-day public comment period that
concluded on October 11, 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2021-22
Funding Identified: Yes
Page 804 of 850
Item 7a
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total N/A N/A N/A N/A
Direct fiscal impacts associated with the Project consist of staffing and minor expenditures
and occasional purchasing for field equipment, printing costs for educational materials
and signs, and ongoing implementation of the reservation-based permit system. Both
staffing costs and direct costs are supported by the operating budgets for Ranger Service
and the Natural Resources Program.
ALTERNATIVES
1. For purposes of operational and public communications efficiency, require permits for
all program months.
2. Request that staff provide additional information or analysis prior to taking further
action.
3. Provide direction to staff to make changes to the draft Resolution or draft Ordinance
and return to Council for adoption.
4. Deny the project and direct staff to take no further action on Open Space Winter Hours
of Use programming and discontinue future work efforts.
ATTACHMENTS
A – Draft Ordinance to amend Municipal Code Chapter 12.22
B – Draft Resolution adopting a Negative Declaration of environmental impact for Open
Space Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
C – Initial Study and Negative Declaration
Page 805 of 850
Page 806 of 850
O ______
ORDINANCE NO. _____ (2021 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 12, STREETS SIDEWALKS
AND PUBLIC PLACES, MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 12.22, OPEN
SPACE REGULATIONS, TO ADD ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE TO
12.22.050(B) TO ALLOW A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR WINTER
EVENING HOURS OF USE AT CERRO SAN LUIS NATURAL RESERVE
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has a substantial interest in promoting the
public health, safety and welfare of its residents, visitors and businesses, as well as the
environmental qualities of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo owns and manages a network of
protected Open Space properties totaling over 4,000 acres, including the 118-acre Cerro
San Luis Natural Reserve, and also administers open space easements and conservation
easements that permanently protect over 3,500 acres of land within the City’s Greenbelt;
and
WHEREAS, members of the public provided testimony to the City Council
requesting expanded hours of use in the City’s Open Space during the winter; and
WHEREAS, in 2015 a wide-ranging survey of open space trends and levels of use
was conducted. This study utilized an EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of human
use and hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, among several locations,
including the timeframe between December 2014 and March 2015 and during evening
hours between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM (City of San Luis Obispo, Open Space Survey .
Riggs et. al. 2015). It is through this study that an existing average daily baseline use of
65 individuals was established; and
WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed and City staff implemented a Pilot Program
for winter open space hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve following a Council -
directed process during the winter seasons of 2018 -2019 (November 4 to March 10),
2019-2020 (November 3 to March 8), and 2020-2021 (November 1 to March 14) and the
pilot program ended on March 14, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Pilot Program included oversight and additional patrol during the
published timeframes of the winter evening hours, deployment of an EcoCounterTM device
to track frequency of human use and hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, as
well as a new reservation permitting system “app” in order to ensure that use during
expanded hours remained commensurate with existing average daily baseline use of 65
individuals that was established prior to the Pilot Program; and
Page 807 of 850
Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) Page 2
O ______
WHEREAS, during the Pilot Program, a total of 3,160 permits were issued during
the 2018- 19 season, 2,747 permits were issued during the 2019 -20 season, and 2,702
permits were issued during the 2020-21 season. In total, 7,783 permits were issued, of
which 826 were bikers and 6,957 were hikers based on self -designation at the time of
permit reservation. During all three seasons, in general, less than the full amount of
permits available were reserved during the months of November and January through
March. During the holiday season in December, however, permits were typically fully
subscribed, and the City’s Ranger Service had to turn away numerous parties interested
in accessing the Reserve at the trailhead and instances of non -compliance were tracked.
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the Pilot Program, staff conducted a Study
Session and presented a Final Summary Report of the Pilot Program, and the City Council
directed staff to prepare an amendment to the City’s Open Space Regulations to allow
for ongoing Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve only.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Council hereby finds and declares the following:
1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by
reference.
2. The ongoing Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
program has been prepared in accordance with Council direction.
3. An Initial Study and Negative Declaration of environmental impact has been
prepared and adopted by Resolution R-[XXXX] (2021 Series) in accordance
with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act that
concludes “there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole of the record
before the agency, that the project may have a significant effect on the
environment” and therefore a Negative Declaration is the appropriate
environmental determination in accordance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA Guidelines §15070 and §15075).
4. The Project Description for Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis
Natural Reserve is incorporated by reference, including continuation of
provisions for Public Information and Education Materials and an Evening Use
Permitting System, as follows:
a. Public Information and Education Materials. City staff shall utilize additional
information and educational materials for the public that is specific to Winter
Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. These materials
will re-iterate the City’s rules and regulations in effect, as well as highlight
the sensitivity of evening use and potential for wildlife interactions and
impacts, and methods to avoid or reduce impacts, including requiring
visitors to stay on established trails during nighttime use. These
informational materials will be available on the City’s website, on the main
kiosk at the entrance of the Reserve, and on pamphlets that can be handed
out or placed in a rack on the kiosk.
Page 808 of 850
Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) Page 3
O ______
b. Evening Use Permitting System. City staff shall implement the internet-
based permitting system “app” and the visitor use tracking system using the
EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of human use and hours of use in
order to ensure that evening use (from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM)
during Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve is
kept at or below existing average daily baseline use of 65 individuals.
Individuals will be required to have evidence that they have the required
permit in their possession during the month of December, unless the City
Council chooses to require a permit during all program months. Individuals
that are stopped by Ranger personnel and do not possess a permit when
required will be subject to citation under municipal code section
12.22.050(B). Permit applicants will also be provid ed with the information
and educational materials during the application process and be required to
acknowledge receipt and confirm understanding prior to receiving the
permit.
5. Prior to the Pilot Program, the average daily use at Cerro San Luis Natural
Reserve between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM was recorded as 65
individuals, despite the City’s existing Open Space Regulations provision that
open space is closed one hour after sunset. Therefore, the existing average
baseline use that will be adhered to during the ongoing Winter Evening Hours
of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve program is 65 individuals. Existing
case law supports the establishment of existing, average b aseline conditions
that are occurring in the environment as a basis for environmental review [see
Fat v. County of Sacramento (2002) 97 Cal.App.4th 1270; Communities for a
Better Environment v. South Coast Air Quality Management District, et
al. (2010) 48 Cal.4th 310 (“Communities for a Better Environment);
Communities for a Better Environment v. South Coast Air Quality Management
District (Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company, LLC, Real Party in
Interest) (2nd Dist. 2020) 47 Cal.App.5th 588].
SECTION 2. Title 12, Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Places, Municipal Code
Chapter 12.22, Open Space Regulations, is amended as follows, as shown in underlined
text:
12.22.050(B): Presence in Open Space Lands Restricted to Certain Hours – No
Overnight Usage. Open space lands where public access is permitted shall be
open to the public from dawn to dusk. It shall be unlawful to enter or remain within
such lands between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise of the
following day without approval from the d irector. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the City may implement a special program at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve only
that allows for extended hours of use until 8:30 PM, Pacific Standard Time, when
daylight savings time is not in effect, in accordance with City Council Resolution
R-[XXXXX] (2021 Series) adopted on October 19, 2021, or as such Resolution
may be subsequently amended by the Council consistent with the purpose of this
ordinance and the environmental review document supporting this provision. All
other provisions of the Open Space Regulations contained in this Chapter 12.22
shall remain in effect.
Page 809 of 850
Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) Page 4
O ______
SECTION 3. Ordinance Number 1332 § 1 (part) (1998 Series) is hereby amended
and superseded to the extent inconsistent herewith.
SECTION 4. A summary of this ordinance, together with the names of Council
members voting for and against, shall be published at least five (5) days prior to its final
passage, in The New Times, a newspaper published and circulated in this City. This
ordinance shall go into effect at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final passage.
INTRODUCED on the ____ day of ____, 2021, AND FINALLY ADOPTED by the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the ____ day of ____, 20 21, on the following
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
_______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
Page 810 of 850
R _____
RESOLUTION NO. ________ (2021 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR
WINTER EVENING HOURS OF USE AT CERRO SAN LUIS NATURAL
RESERVE
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has a substantial interest in promoting
the public health, saf ety and welfare of its residents, visitors and businesses, as well as
the environmental qualities of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo owns and manages a network of
protected Open Space properties totaling over 4,000 acres, including the 118-acre
Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, and also administers open space easements and
conservation easements that permanently protect over 3,500 acres of land within the
City’s Greenbelt; and
WHEREAS, members of the public provided testimony to the City Council
requesting expanded hours of use in the City’s Open Space during the winter; and
WHEREAS, in 2015 a wide-ranging survey of open space trends and levels of
use was conducted. This study utilized an EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of
human use and hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve , among several
locations, including the timeframe between December 2014 and March 2015 and during
evening hours between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM (City of San Luis Obispo, Open Space
Survey. Riggs et. al. 2015). It is through this study that an existing average daily
baseline use of 65 individuals was established; and
WHEREAS , the City Council reviewed and City staff implemented a Pilot
Program for winter open space hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
following a Council-directed process during the winter seasons of 2018-2019
(November 4 to March 10), 2019-2020 (November 3 to March 8), and 2020-2021
(November 1 to March 14) and the pilot program ended on March 14, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Pilot Program included oversight and additional patrol during the
published timeframes of the winter evening hours, deployment of an EcoCounterTM
device to track frequency of human use and hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural
Reserve, as well as a new reservation permitting system “app” in order to ensure that
use during expanded hours remained commensurate with existing average daily
baseline use of 65 individuals that was established prior to the Pilot Program; and
Page 811 of 850
Resolution No. _____ (2021 Series) Page 2
R ______
WHEREAS, during the Pilot Program, a total of 3,160 permits were issued during
the 2018- 19 season, 2,747 permits were issued during the 2019-20 season, and 2,702
permits were issued during the 2020 -21 season. In total, 7,783 permits were issued, of
which 826 were bikers and 6,957 were hikers based on self -designation at the time of
permit reservation. During all three seasons, in general, less than the full amount of
permits available were reserved during the months of November and January through
March. During the holiday season in December, however, permits were typically fully
subscribed, and the City’s Ranger Service had to turn away numerous parties
interested in accessing the Reserve at the trailhead and instances of non -compliance
were tracked, and
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the Pilot Program, staff conducted a Study
Session and presented Final Summary Report of the Pilot Program, and the City
Council directed staff to prepare an amendment to the City’s Open Space Regulations
to allow for ongoing W inter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
only.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo as follows:
The City Council hereby adopts a Negative Declaration of environmental impact for a
special program to allow for an ongoing W inter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis
Natural Reserve program based on the following findings:
1. The W inter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve program is
considered a Project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as
defined in Public Resources Code §21065 because it represents an activity
which may cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a
reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and
because it is an activity directly undertaken by a public agency.
2. An Initial Study and Environmental Review has been prepared for the project that
concludes “there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole of the record
before the agency, that the project may have a significant effect on the
environment” and therefore a Negative Declaration is the appropriate
environmental determination in accordance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA Guidelines §15070 and §15075).
3. Less than significant impacts were identified in the areas of Aesthetics,
Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural
Resources, Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gas E missions, Hazards and
Hazardous Materials, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Public Services,
Recreation, Transportation, Tribal and Cultural Resources, Utilities and Service
Systems, and Wildfire. Impacts that are individually limited but could be
“cumulatively considerable” were also found to be less than significant.
Page 812 of 850
Resolution No. _____ (2021 Series) Page 3
R ______
4. The Project Description for Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis
Natural Reserve is incorporated by reference, including continuation of
provisions for Public Information and Education Materials and an Evening Use
Permitting System, as follows:
1. Public Information and Education Materials. City staff shall utilize additional
information and educational materials for the public that is specific to Winter
Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. These materials
will re-iterate the City’s rules and regulations in effect, as well as highlight the
sensitivity of evening use and potential for wildlife interactions and impacts ,
and methods to avoid or reduce impacts, including requiring visitors to stay
on established trails during nighttime use. These informational materials will
be available on the City’s website, on the main kiosk at the entrance of the
Reserve, and on pamphlets that can be handed out or placed in a rack on the
kiosk.
2. Evening Use Permitting System. City staff shall implement the internet-based
permitting system “app” and the visitor use tracking system using the
EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of human use and hours of use in
order to ensure that evening use (from one hour after sunset unti l 8:30 PM)
during Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve is
kept at or below existing average daily baseline use of 65 individuals.
Individuals will be required to have evidence that they have the required
permit in their possession during the month of December, unless the City
Council chooses to require a permit during all program months. Individuals
that are stopped by Ranger personnel and do not possess a permit when
required will be subject to citation under municipal code section 12.22.050(B).
Permit applicants will also be provided with the information and educational
materials during the application process and be required to ackn owledge
receipt and confirm understanding prior to receiving the permit.
Page 813 of 850
Resolution No. _____ (2021 Series) Page 4
R ______
5. Prior to the Pilot Program, the average daily use at Cerro San Luis Natural
Reserve between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM was recorded as 65
individuals, despite the City’s existing Open Space Regulation s provision that
open space is closed one hou r after sunset. Therefore, the existing average
baseline use that will be adhered to during the ongoing Winter Evening Hours of
Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve program is 65 individuals. Existing case
law supports the establishment of existing, average baseline conditions that are
occurring in the environment as a basis for environmental review [see Fat
v. County of Sacramento (2002) 97 Cal.App.4th 1270; Communities for a Better
Environment v. South Coast Air Quality Management District, et al. (2010) 48
Cal.4th 310 (“Communities for a Better Environment); Communities for a Better
Environment v. South Coast Air Quality Management District (Tesoro Refining
and Marketing Company, LLC, Real Party in I nterest) (2nd Dist. 2020) 47
Cal.App.5th 588].
Upon motion of Council Member _______________________, seconded by
Council Member _______________________, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _________________2021.
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
__________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________
J. Christine Dietrick, City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of
the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on _____________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
Page 814 of 850
INITIAL STUDY
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM
For ER # 0589-2021
1. Project Title:
Open Space Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
2. Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
3. Contact Person and Phone Number:
Robert Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources Official
(805) 781-7211
rhill@slocity.org
4. Project Location:
The 118-acre Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve (the “project site” or “the Reserve”) is located within the western
portion of the City of San Luis Obispo (City) at 1000 Fernandez Road, San Luis Obispo, California 93401. The
regional location and project location are depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The project site is located within City-
owned property adjacent to and west of United States Highway 101 (U.S. 101). The City has a license agreement
with the neighboring private property owner that allows use of the westerly portion of the “M Trail” segment that
is located outside of the City-owned property.
Cerro San Luis is one of the nine named volcanic peaks, or Morros, that form a series of ancient volcanic plugs
that extend between the cities of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo and divide the Los Osos and Chorro Creek
valleys. The Morros run in a southeasterly direction from Morro Rock on the coast to Islay Hill, at the southeastern
boundary of the City. Cerro San Luis, situated between Islay Hill and Bishop Peak, is the eighth named Morro from
the coast. The peak of Cerro San Luis is own ed by the Madonna family and is therefore sometimes known locally
as Madonna Mountain or San Luis Mountain (City of San Luis Obispo 2005).
The Reserve is one of numerous City-owned properties comprising approximately 4,250 acres that are held in open
space reserve, natural reserve, agricultural reserve, or ecological reserve status.
From U.S. 101, the Reserve is publicly accessible from Marsh Street and Fernandez Road. Public parking and
trailhead facilities are located along Fernandez Road (City of San Luis Obispo 2005).
5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address:
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Page 815 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 2 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
Figure 1 Regional Location
Page 816 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 3 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
Figure 2 Project Site Location
Page 817 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 4 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
6. General Plan Designations:
Open Space
7. Zoning:
Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-20)
8. Project Background:
8.1 Open Space Regulation
The City’s existing Open Space Regulations (Municipal Code Section 12.22) were adopted by Ordinance 1332
Section (§) 1 in 1998. Section 12.22.050 of the Open Space Regulation s prohibit overnight usage of City open
space:
12.22.050(B): Presence in Open Space Lands Restricted to Certain Hours - No Overnight Usage. Open space
lands where public access is permitted shall be open to the public from dawn to dusk. It shall be unlawful to enter
or remain within such lands between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise of the following day without
approval from the director.
Specifically, the City’s Open Space Regulations allow for passive recreation on the City’s publicly accessible trail
system, including Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
Common recreational activities within the Reserve include hiking, jogging, and mountain biking .
8.2 Extended Use Hours Pilot Program
On January 16, 2018, the City Council approved Resolution 10858, which authorized a two -year pilot program and
adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) to expand the hours of use at the Reserve until 8:30 PM during
the winter when daylight savings time is not in effect.1,2 The pilot program allowed the City to issue up to 65 permits
daily for access to approximately 4.9 miles of trails within City property within the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM when daylight savings time is not in effect. On November 17, 2020, the
City approved a one-year extension of the pilot program and adopted an Addendum to the 2018 MND.3 The pilot
program took place during the winter seasons of 2018 -2019 (November 4 to March 10), 2019-2020 (November 3
to March 8), and 2020-2021 (November 1 to March 14). The pilot program ended on March 14, 2021.
According to the San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey (Riggs et al. 2015), use of the Reserve averaged
approximately 800 visitors per day during between December 2014 and March 2015. The average daily use
between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM was 65 individuals, despite the City’s existing Open Space Regulations
provision that open space is closed one hour after sunset. Therefore, the pilot program limited access to the existing
average daily baseline of 65 individuals from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM when daylight savings time is
not in effect. A website-based application was used to issue permits to the public.
On March 16, 2021, the majority of City Council voted to direct staff to implement a permanent program for winter
hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, and also received and filed a Final Summary Report of findings
from the Pilot Program.4 A total of 3,160 permits were issued during the 2018 -2019 season, 2,747 permits were
issued during the 2019-2020 season, and 2,702 permits were issued during the 2020-2021 season. In total, 7,783
1 The City Council agenda and minutes for January 16, 2018 are available on-line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=70272&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
2 The MND is available online at: https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/Project/2017091049
3 The City Council agenda, which includes the Addendum, and minutes for November 17, 2020 are available on -line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=131233&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
4 The City Council Agenda Report and presentation for March 16, 2021 are available on-line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=139031&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
The Final Summary Report attachment is available on-line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=139011&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
Page 818 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 5 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
permits were issued, of which 826 were bikers and 6,957 were hikers and joggers. In general, less than the number
of available permits were issued during the months of November and January through March. During December,
the maximum number of permits (65) was typically issued. The Ranger Service had to deny entry at the trailhead
to at least 36 people in the 2018-2019 season, 206 people in the 2019-2020 season, and 52 people in the 2020-2021
season (City of San Luis Obispo 2021).
Of the open space properties owned by the City, Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve was selected for the Pilot Program
based on the following criteria:
1) Avoiding open space properties where wildlife use is thought to be most prolific,
2) Avoiding neighborhoods, and
3) Open space properties that present reduced challenges for emergency response access.
Johnson Ranch Open Space and Irish Hills Natural Reserve are part of a much larger wildlife habitat area that is
ecologically connected to the larger Irish Hills landscape, while Stenner Springs Natural Reserve and Reservoir
Canyon Natural Reserve are similarly connected to the Los Padres National Forest. Bi shop Peak Natural Reserve,
Terrace Hill Open Space, South Hills Natural Reserve, and Islay Hill Open Space are all proximate to existing
neighborhoods. This narrowed the options for the pilot program to Laguna Lake Natural Reserve and Cerro San
Luis Natural Reserve. Both properties are tangent to urbanized areas and disturbances such as Highway 101, located
away from neighborhoods, feature designated parking areas, and have emergency vehicle access (City of San Luis
Obispo 2017). Laguna Lake Natural Reserve was discarded from consideration due to the presence of numerous
rare and sensitive botanical and avian species, leaving Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve as the most appropriate site
for the allowance of winter evening hours of use.
During the pilot program, wildlife surveys were conducted to inform the presence of wildlife species using the
Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. Four wildlife game cameras, cover boards, bat detection equipment, and field
surveys were used to document and track nocturnal wildlife species diversity and locations. The cameras and cover
boards were checked weekly, and detection equipment were used monthly. Observed common wildlife species
included barn owl, great-horned owl, sharp-shinned hawk, deer, coyote, and others. During the course of the City’s
ownership of the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, third-party professional wildlife surveys have been conducted
by the firms Tenera Environmental (Tenera) and Terra Verde Environmental Consulting (Terra Verde). Special
status wildlife species observed either by Tenera or Terre Verde included but were not limited to California
mountain lion (Puma concolor), San Diego woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia), Mexican free-tailed
bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus), western skink (Eumeces skiltonianus), yellow-rumped
warbler (Setophaga coronata), rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), and monarch butterfly (Danaus
plexippus) (Tenera 2004; Terre Verde 2017, 2019, 2021).
8.3 Open Space Conservation Plan
The Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Conservation Plan (“Conservation Plan”) was prepared by the City in 2005.
The Conservation Plan includes an inventory of the soils, cultural resources, and biological resources present in the
Reserve, and management guidelines and policies designed to achieve the goals of the City’s General Plan
Conservation and Open Space Element (2006). The Conservation Plan does not currently include any policies
related to hours of use.
9. Description of the Project:
The Open Space Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve project (“proposed project”)
would revise the City’s existing Open Space Regulations (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22) to
permanently extend the public use hours on the existing Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve trail system within City
property. The hours of use would be extended to between one hour before sunrise until 8:30 PM when daylight
savings time is not in effect. Public use hours when daylight savings time is in effect would remain from one hour
Page 819 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 6 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
before sunrise until one hour after sunset. The Open Space Regulations are proposed to be revised as follows
(proposed changes are shown in underline text):
12.22.050(B): Presence in Open Space Lands Restricted to Certain Hours – No Overnight Usage. Open
space lands where public access is permitted shall be open to the public from dawn to dusk. It shall be unlawful
to enter or remain within such lands between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise of the following
day without approval from the director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City may implement a special
program at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve only that allows for extended hours of use until 8:30 PM, Pacific
Standard Time, when daylight savings time is not in effect, in accordance with City Council Resolution R -
[XXXXX] (2021 Series) adopted on [date], or as such Resolution may be subsequently amended by the Council
consistent with the purpose of this ordinance and the environmental review document supporting this provision.
All other provisions of the Open Space Regulations contained in this Chapter 12.22 shall remain in effect.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department Ranger Service personnel would provide oversight and additional
patrol of the Reserve during the extended hours of use. A permit program would be permanently implemented to
limit access to the Cerro San Luis trail system to 65 individuals during the extended hours during December, which
had the highest demand for night hiking during the pilot program. A permit would not be needed for access from
one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM during the months of November and January through March. However, Ranger
Service and Natural Resources Program staff would deploy an EcoCounterTM5 device to track frequency of human
use and hours of use at the Reserve. The EcoCounterTM device utilizes sensors to track pedestrian and cyclist use
of the Reserve trail. If it is determined that use during the extended hours exceeds the existing average daily baseline
use of 65 individuals during the months of November and January through March, the permitting system would be
re-instated the day after the exceedance occurs for all program months in order to ensure that use does not exceed
65 individuals. Re-instatement of the permitting system would be communicated to the public via social media, the
City website, and rangers stationed at the trailhead. For purposes of operational efficiency, the City Council may
elect to require permits for all program months at the time of adoption.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department proposes to develop information and educational materials for the
public that is specific to nighttime use and wildlife at the Reserve. These materials will re-iterate the City’s rules
and regulations in effect, as well as highlight the sensitivity of evening use, potential for wildlife interactions and
impacts, and methods to avoid or reduce impacts, including that visitors would be required to stay on established
trails during nighttime use. These informational materials will be available on the City’s website (with potential to
access via a QR code), at the entrance of the Reserve, and on pamphlets that can be handed out or placed in a rack
on the kiosk at the entrance of the Reserve. Permit applicants will be provided with the information and educational
materials during the application process and be required to acknowledge receipt and confirm understanding prior
to receiving the permit.
Section 15125(a)(1) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines states that an environmental
document “should include a description of the physical environmental conditions in the vicinity of the project, as
they exist at the time the notice of preparation is publi shed, or if no notice of preparation is published, at the time
environmental analysis is commenced.” Section 15125(a) states that this approach “normally constitute[s] the
baseline physical conditions by which a lead agency determines whether an impact is significant.” The CEQA
baseline is July 2021, when preparation of this Initial Study was initiated. The CEQA baseline includes the
conditions under the current Open Space Ordinance with passive recreation on the Reserve restricted to one hour
before sunrise to one hour after sunset. As discussed in Section 8.2, according to the San Luis Obispo Open Space
Survey (Riggs et al. 2015), the average daily use between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM was recorded as 65
individuals, despite the City’s existing Open Space Regulation provision that open space is closed one hour after
sunset. Therefore, the existing average baseline use during the proposed evening hours is 65 individuals [see
Communities for a Better Environment v. South Coast Air Quality Management Di strict, et al. (2010) 48 Cal.4th
310 (“Communities for a Better Environment) and Communities for a Better Environment v. South Coast Air
Quality Management District (Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company, LLC, Real Party in Interest) (2d Dist.
2020) 47 Cal.App.5th 588].
5 Information regarding the EcoCounterTM devices is available on -line at: https://www.eco-counter.com/
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 7 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
10. Project Entitlements:
No entitlements are required.
11. Surrounding Land Uses and Settings:
Existing uses surrounding the Reserve are as follows:
• West: Rural land; County of San Luis Obispo jurisdiction
• North: Rural land (C/OS-20)
• East: U.S. 101; single-family residential neighborhood (R-1)
• South: Rural land (C/OS-20)
12. Have California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project area
requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1? If so, is there a plan for
consultation that includes, for example, the determination of significance of impacts to tribal cultural
resources, procedures regarding confidentiality, etc.?
Native American Tribes were notified about the project consistent with City and State regulations including, but
not limited to, Assembly Bill 52. The California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) supplied a list
of local Native American individuals and/or groups with interests and knowledge about the area. Those individuals,
as well as tribes previously requesting consultation pursuant to Assembly Bill 52, were contacted and no contacts
requested formal consultation or indicated presence of tribal cultural resources at the project site.
13. Other public agencies whose approval is required:
The project site is located in the City of San Luis Obispo. The property is owned by the City of San Luis Obispo,
and is therefore subject to City plans, policies, and requirements. The City Council would approve the revisions to
the Open Space Regulations. The proposed project would not require approval from any other public agency .
14. Public Review Process
This Initial Study Negative Declaration was circulated for a 30-day public review period from September 10, 2021
through October 11, 2021. No public comments were received on the Initial Study Negative Declaration. Since
public circulation of the Initial Study Negative Declaration, minor editorial revisions were made to 1) clarify that
the hours of use would be extended during the winter when daylight savings time is not in effect and 2) to correct
the website link to the November 17, 2020 City Council agenda.
Page 821 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 8 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a
“Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
☐ Aesthetics ☐ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ☐ Public Services
☐ Agriculture and Forestry
Resources ☐ Hazards and Hazardous Materials ☐ Recreation
☐ Air Quality ☐ Hydrology and Water Quality ☐ Transportation
☐ Biological Resources ☐ Land Use and Planning ☐ Tribal Cultural Resources
☐ Cultural Resources ☐ Mineral Resources ☐ Utilities and Service Systems
☐ Energy ☐ Noise ☐ Wildfire
☐ Geology and Soils ☐ Population and Housing ☐ Mandatory Findings of
Significance
FISH AND WILDLIFE FEES
☐
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has reviewed the CEQA document and written no effect
determination request and has determined that the project will not have a potential effect on fish, wildlife, or
habitat (see attached determination).
☒
The project has potential to result in less than significant impacts to fish and wildlife resources and shall be
subject to the payment of Fish and Game fees pursuant to Section 711.4 of the California Fish and Game
Code. This initial study has been circulated to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for review and
comment.
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
☒
This environmental document must be submitted to the State Clearinghouse for review by one or more State
agencies (e.g., Cal Trans, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Housing and
Community Development). The public review period shall not be less than 30 days (CEQA Guidelines
15073[a]).
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 9 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
DETERMINATION (To be completed by the Lead Agency):
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared. ☒
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a
significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made, by or agreed to by the project
proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
☐
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT is required. ☐
I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant” impact(s) or “potentially significant unless
mitigated” impact(s) on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier
document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the
earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it
must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed
☐
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all
potentially significant effects (1) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE
DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (2) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier
EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the
proposed project, nothing further is required.
☐
Signature Date
Shawna Scott For: Michael Codron,
Printed Name Community Development Director
September 9, 2021
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 10 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
1. A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the
information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is
adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like
the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where
it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors
to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).
2. All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well
as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.
3. Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must
indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant.
"Potentially Significant Impact' is appropriate if there is substantial evid ence that an effect may be significant. If there
are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.
4. “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the incorporation of
mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less than Significant Impact."
The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than
significant level (mitigation measures from Section 19, "Earlier Analysis," as described in (5) below, may be cross -
referenced).
5. Earlier analysis may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been
adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration (Section 15063 (c) (3) (D)). In this case, a brief
discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and
adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects
were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.
c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe
the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which
they addressed site-specific conditions for the project.
6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts
(e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where
appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.
7. Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted
should be cited in the discussion.
8. The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and
b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance
Page 824 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 11 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
1. AESTHETICS
Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099,
would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 1 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not
limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, open space, and historic
buildings within a local or state scenic highway?
1 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual
character or quality of public views of the site and its
surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from
publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an
urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable
zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
1 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would
adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? 1 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
In the local area, Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve serves as a substantial public scenic resource as the immediate backdrop for
downtown San Luis Obispo and many other areas of the City. Unobstructed public views of Cerro San Luis can be gained
along U.S. Highway 101 North and South, from other City of San Luis Obispo open space propert ies such as Terrace Hill
Open Space and Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve, as well as numerous neighborhoods to the north and east of the project
site.
a-b) According to the Circulation Element of the City General Plan, the segment of U.S. Route 101 (US 101) through the
City of San Luis Obispo is identified as having moderate and high scenic value. Views of the Reserve are available along
this segment of U.S. 101. However, users would continue to utilize the Reserve for passive recreational activities,
including hiking and biking, which occur under existing conditions. The project does not include any grading,
construction, or vegetation removal activities. Therefore, no scenic vistas or scenic resources, including but n ot limited
to, trees, rock outcroppings, open space, or historic resources would be damaged with implementation of the project.
c) There would be no physical changes to the landscape associated with the project which includes extending the hours of
use of the Reserve when daylight savings time is not in effect. Users would continue to utilize the Reserve for passive
recreational activities, including hiking and biking, which occur under existing conditions. Implementation of the project
would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings.
d) Existing sources of light and glare include headlights from vehicles when entering/existing the Reserve and personal use
from hikers/bikers. During the evening hours, hikers and mountain bikers would utilize flashlights, headlamps, or
mounted lighting equipment. These lights can sometimes be seen from offsite locations under existing evening use of the
Reserve; however, this visibility is distant, intermittent, and short in duration (ranging from a few moments to a few
minutes). In addition, the project would limit the number of users to the average daily baseline of 65 individuals .
Therefore, the project would not increase lighting beyond that occurring in the existing condition. Implementation of the
project would not result in substantial adverse effects associated with light and glare.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 12 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
Conclusion
There would be no impact related to scenic vistas and scenic resources. Impacts related to the degradation of visual
character/quality and generation of light and glare would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are
significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the
California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model
(1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an
optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and
farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources,
including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead
agencies may refer to information compiled by the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s
inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment
Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon
measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by
the California Air Resources Board. Would the project: Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps
prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program of the California Resources Agency, to non -
agricultural use?
1,2 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a
Williamson Act contract? 1, 2 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest
land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)),
timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526),
or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code section 51104(g))?
1, 2 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to
non-forest use? 1, 2 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to
their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland,
to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest
use?
1, 2 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
a-d) The project site is not located on land currently used for agriculture and does not contain any forest land or resources.
There is no agriculturally-zoned land, land enrolled in a Williamson Act Contract, or timber or forest lands on the
project site, and the site is not a part of any timber harvesting plans or zones. The Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program (FMMP) designates the project site and surrounding area as “Grazing Land.” The project would not directly
convert agricultural land to non-agricultural use, conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, convert forest land
to non-forest use, or conflict with existing zoning for forest land.
e) The project site and surrounding area does not contain forestland. The FMMP designates the project site and
surrounding area as “Grazing Land.” The project does not include any activities which would directly or indirectly
Page 826 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 13 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
interfere with livestock grazing. The project would not result in significant impacts related to changes to the
environmental which could result in conversion of farmland to non -agricultural use or conversion of forest land to
non-forest use.
Conclusion
There would be no impacts related to conversion or loss of agricultural and forestry resources, conflict with zoning for
agricultural use or forestland, and conflict with Williamson Act contracts. Impacts related to related to changes to the
environment which could result in conversion of farmland to non -agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non -forest use
would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
3. AIR QUALITY
Where available, the significance criteria established by the
applicable air quality management district or air pollution control
district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.
Would the project: Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air
quality plan? 3, 4, 5 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria
pollutant for which the project region is non -attainment under
an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
3, 4, 5 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations? 3, 4, 5 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors)
adversely affecting a substantial number of people? 3, 4, 5 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
a) The applicable air quality plan in the region is the 2001 San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District’s (SLOAPCD)
Clean Air Plan (2001), which evaluates long-term emissions, cumulative effects, and establishes countywide programs to
reach acceptable air quality levels. The project does not include new land uses and would not generate population growth
or include any other action that would have the potential to conflict with or obstruct implementation of the SLOAPCD
Clean Air Plan.
b-d) The project includes extending the hours of use of the Reserve and would not include construction, ground disturbance, or
operation of structures or equipment that have the potential to generate pollutant emissions or objectionable odors.
However, trail users may use vehicles to travel to the Reserve which can emit air quality pollutants and generate odors. As
discussed in the Project Description, the San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey (2015) indicated 65 individual visits
represents the average daily use after allowable hours until 8:30 PM in the existing condition. Assuming that each of those
visitors arrives at the Reserve in a vehicle as a single occupant, the expected vehicle trips to the Reserve during this time
would be up to 65 per day. The San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey also found that 32 percent of open space users walk,
bike, or use other means of accessing open space other than driving a car. The project would limit use of the trail during
the extended hours to the existing baseline of 65 individuals. Therefore, vehicle trips would be similar to existing
conditions and would not result in new mobile emissions. Potential impacts would be less than significant.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 14 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
Conclusion
No impact would occur related to conflict with or obstruction with an applicable air quality plan. Air quality impacts related to
new increase in criteria pollutants, exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations, and odors would be
less than significant. No mitigation is required.
4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through
habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
1, 6-
12, 14-
17
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other
sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,
policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
6-9, 13 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected
wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool,
coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
6-9, 12 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident
or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of
native wildlife nursery sites?
1, 6-
12, 14-
17
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting
biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance?
1 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation
Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved
local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
6 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Setting
The Reserve is a natural open space that consists of moderate to steep slopes with elevations ranging from approximately 190
feet to 920 feet above mean sea level. As described in the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Conservation Plan (2005) and the
Final Report on the Wildlife Resources of the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve (Tenera Environmental [Tenera] 2004), vegetation
within the Reserve consists of five communities: annual grassland, coastal scrub, coast live oak woodland, opuntia scrub, and
introduced trees, consisting of stands of blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis
macrocarpa), and Peruvian pepper (Schinus molle). A formal jurisdictional delineation has not been prepared for the site;
however, the site includes several ephemeral drainages that consist of somewhat incised channels with a bedrock substrate. Two
of the features originate within the coast live oak woodland but consist of an ephemeral erosional feature and do not contain
associated riparian vegetation community. The Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Conservation Plan also describes three such areas
as seeps and/or springs.
Page 828 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 15 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; 2021) and California
Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (Inventory; 2021) were queried to obtain
updated information regarding special status species documented on and within the San Luis Obispo, California United States
Geological Survey 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle and surrounding eight quadrangles. The United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC; 2021) was also queried to determine federally listed species
and designated critical habitats known to occur within San Luis Obispo County. The records searches identified 48 special status
animals, 114 special status plants, and eight sensitive natural communities that have been documented within the nine-quadrangle
searches. The majority of the species identified by the queries do not have potential to occur within the project site due to the
absence of suitable habitat. The remainder of the species have suitable habitat present on -site; however, subsequent surveys have
not determined presence within the project site except where noted.
The site was assessed for biological resources by Tenera in 2004 and subsequently surveyed for wildlife by Terra Verde
Environmental Consulting (Terra Verde) in 2017, 2019, a nd 2021. Three special status wildlife species have been documented
within the site: candidate for federal listing as threatened southern California mountain lion (Puma concolor) and two state
Species of Special Concern: San Diego woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia) and western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis
californicus). Additionally, numerous wildlife species or resources of local concern have been documented, including: monarch
butterfly (Danaus plexippus; not present in an overwintering site), western skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus), yellow-rumped
warbler (Setophaga coronata), rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), and ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus), as well as
multiple species of raptor species such as American kestrel (Falco sparverius), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and barn
owl (Tyto alba), and bat species such as Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis). Common wildlife observed within the
Reserve include coyote (Canis latrans), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), bobcat (Lynx rufus), deer (Odocoileous sp.), and fox
(Vulpes sp.). Formal botanical surveys were not conducted by Tenera or Terra Verde and no occurrences of special status plant
species have been documented in the study area by the CNDDB or Inventory.
a) Southern California mountain lion, a candidate for federal listing as threatened, has been documented within the
Reserve. No other state or federally listed threatened or endangered species are known to occur within the Reserve site,
but two other special status wildlife species have been documented on-site: San Diego woodrat and western mastiff bat,
both state Species of Special Concern. Additionally, numerous species of local concern have been documented on-site.
The proposed project is not expected to result in direct impacts to special status wildlife species. The potential for
species individuals to be physically injured or killed by visitors through trampling is extremely low because visitors
would utilize existing trails instead of treading through habitat that individuals may be using as refugia , which refers to
a location that wildlife may utilize to escape danger or adverse weather conditions. Any individuals encountered on
trails would be able to escape into refugia. In the event that visitors stray from the trails, the wildlife habitat onsite
includes numerous burrow complexes as well as areas of thick, woody shrubs and complex topography that preclude
human visitors from traversing those areas, and therefore provides opportunities for wildlife to escape potential harm.
Further, the number of potential off-trail visitors is not expected to increase as a result of the project, compared to
baseline conditions. Special status wildlife species western skink, yellow-rumped warbler, and monarch butterfly are
unlikely to be encountered by nighttime visitors as they are diurnal (active during the day) species, and their nesting,
denning, and/or refugia are located outside of the existing trails. San Diego woodrat would be unlikely to be directly
affected as the documented locations of individuals and their nests/middens are well away from established trails and/or
within dense vegetation such as opuntia scrub dominated by prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.) that would provide
protection from visitors potentially diverting from established trails. Mountain lion and bat species such as western
mastiff bat and Mexican free-tailed bat, are highly mobile and would not be at significant risk for direct physical harm
from visitors because they are able to escape into refugia to minimize encounters with visitors. The proposed project
would not modify habitat for special status wildlife species, as visitors will be required to utilize existing trails in
accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 12.22.050(P) and the Conservation Guidelines for the City
of San Luis Obispo Policy HA12 (City of San Luis Obispo 2002).
The project could result in indirect effects to nocturnal special status wildlife species by disturbance of nocturnal and/or
crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) behaviors through additional noise, temporary light exposure, and human
presence in general, including human-associated disturbances such as pets. Affected wildlife behavior may include but
is not limited to foraging, breeding and/or nesting, and evasion of predators. Further, indirect effects could include
negative physiological effects such as negative energy balances for individuals forced to use energy to flee visitors
and/or missed foraging opportunities.
Page 829 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 16 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
A 2016 scientific study reviewed 274 separate peer-reviewed articles regarding the effects of passive recreation on
wildlife, spanning numerous geographic areas, taxonomic groups, and recreation activities (Larson et al. 2016). Overall,
Larson et al. identified a clear correlation between recreation and negative effects to many wildlife species, including
mountain lion. The study also observed that individual -level and community-level effects were more frequent than
population-level effects. The City employs spatial restrictions at the Reserve including designating approximately 85%
of the Reserve for habitat, management, and/or restoration. Given the limited project area and spatial restrictions on
visitors by existing trails, effects on wildlife by the proposed project are more likely to occur on an individual- or
community-level, rather than population-level effects. Adverse effects to special status wildlife species on an individual-
or community-level are considered less than significant under CEQA. Population-level effects may be considered
significant under CEQA; however, based on the available evidence population -level effects are not anticipated as a
result of the project.
A 2012 study in Boulder, Colorado reviewed and cited numerous studies concluding that artificial light, such as that
from a headlamp or flashlight, can have negative effects on wildlife such as dazzling and confusing individuals leaving
them vulnerable to predation, disrupting foraging patterns and behavior, and disrupting movement (ERO Resource
Corporation 2012). However, the study also acknowledges that wildlife may “habituate,” or become accustomed, to a
disturbance if consistently faced with similar disturbances. The Reserve was specifically chosen by the City for extended
hours due to its proximity to the ur ban interface. The Reserve is located adjacent to U.S. Highway 101, residential
development, and near downtown San Luis Obispo, which are substantial sources of noise and light. The proposed
project would legalize limited after-hours access to the Reserve; however, the number of night-use permits that would
be offered is derived from and comparable to the observed usage prior to the pilot program instituted by the City and is
consistent with the historic use due to unauthorized after-hours use prior to the pilot program. Therefore, the project
would not increase the recreational usage of the Reserve. Based on the existing sources of noise and light associated
with the urban interface, existing (baseline) after-hours use of the Reserve, and vehicle traffic along U.S. Highway 101,
the wildlife within the Reserve are habituated to light and noise from these existing conditions, and the indirect effects
of an incremental increase in light and noise from the proposed project would not be significant.
Special status plant species are not known to occupy the Reserve; however, formal botanical studies have not been
conducted for the project site and several special status plant species have potential to occur within the site. That said,
the proposed project would not modify habitat for special status plant species or alter native vegetation communities,
as visitors would be utilizing existing trails in accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 12.22.050(P)
and the Conservation Guidelines for the City of San Luis Obispo Policy HA12 (2002); therefore, no direct or indirect
effects to special status plant species, if present, are expected to occur.
b) The Reserve does not contain significant, mature riparian habitat. The Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Conservation
Plan describes the coastal scrub and coast live oak woodland vegetation communities on-site as sensitive natural
communities; however, neither community is listed by the CDFW Sensitive Natu ral Communities list (CDFW
2021).The seeps and/or springs associated with drainage features on-site are considered sensitive natural communities,
but the proposed project would not have an adverse effect on vegetation because the project does not include any grading
or vegetation removal and visitors would be utilizing existing trails in accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal
Code Section 12.22.050(P) and the Conservation Guidelines for the City of San Luis Obispo Policy HA12 (City of San
Luis Obispo 2002). Therefore, direct or indirect effects to seeps and/or springs are not anticipated.
c) The proposed action does not include direct or indirect removal, filling, or hydrological interruption of a state or
federally protected wetland. Therefore, no effects to such features are anticipated.
d) The Reserve does not contain aquatic habitat or habitat for migratory fish such as the south-central Distinct Population
Segment of California coast steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The site is located within the City of San Luis Obispo
and is bound by U.S. Highway 101 and residential development on the east side and is within close proximity to
development on the north and south sides. The proximity to development precludes the site from providing immediate
connectivity between large core habitat areas. West and southwest of the site includes large swaths of open rangeland
and native habitat that provides much stronger migration habitat from the coast to unique habitat opportunities such as
Laguna Lake. Due to the availability of contiguous and relatively unimpeded migration habitat adjacent to the site
compared to the proximity of the subject site to development, it is unlikely wildlife would use it as a regional movement
corridor between core populations. The City of San Luis Obispo’s General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element
Page 830 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 17 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
depicts the adjacent parcel to the southwest as a “Potential Wildlife Corridor” to the Prado and Tank Farm areas, as well
as an adjacent parcel to the north, which is mapped as a “Wildlife Corridor” on the Figure 3 map. Wildlife could
potentially use the corridor to the southwest to migrate, but the area is unlikely to be a significant corridor, as wildlife
would have to cross U.S. Highway 101, which is mapped as a “Linear Boundary” on the Figure 3 map . The mapped
corridor to the north indicates connectivity with Old Garden Creek . This corridor would not support connectivity for
aquatic species, and it is separated by Broad Street and residential development. Neither mapped corridor is located
within the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, and the proposed project would not result in changes that would directly or
indirectly modify or impede wildlife movement along these corridors. Therefore, the proposed project would not
significantly interfere with wildlife movement corridors.
Locally, wildlife likely utilizes the open habitat associated with the trails to move throughout the site. Further, the site
is likely used by numerous species for reproduction (i.e., mating and rearing young). Table 1 below provides an
approximate reproductive season for nocturnal special status species observed within the site. Rock crevices and trees
within the site contains suitable habitat for maternity roosts for bats during the bat maternity season (typically March
through August). Additionally, raptors and songbirds/passerines likely utilize the site for nesting and rearing young.
Large mammals such as mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) could use the site as a nursery site, and the recreational use
could affect a species’ ability to utilize a nursery site if implemented during the rearing season, typically starting in
spring. San Diego woodrat, a special status species, is known from the site, including nest structures; however,
nests/middens are located well away from the established trails in thick vegetation that would preclude accidental
disturbance and the species tends not to be sensitive to human presence based on experience with woodrats at other sites
(pers. obs. K. Weichert, Rincon Consultants). Mountain lions likely utilize the site only transiently, as they have large
home ranges (between 20 and 100 square miles) and require a high availability of prey, which the 118 -acre Reserve
cannot support due to its relatively small size (US Forest Service 2021; Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
2021). Suitable habitat for littering and/or rearing young, which typically consists of caves or rock alcoves, is not present
on-site. Additionally, the proximity of the site to development and the existing levels of use and disturbance make
mountain lion unlikely to be resident to the site.
Table 1- Special Status Wildlife Typical Reproductive Season
Species Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
San Diego woodrat
(Neotoma lepida
intermedia) X X X X X X
Mountain lion
(Puma concolor) X X X X
Typical Passerine
Nesting Season X X X X X X X X
Typical Raptor
Nesting Season X X X X X X X X
Typical Bat
Maternity Season X X X X X X
The proposed project could affect the ability of wildlife species such as bats and birds to use the site for maternity roosts
and nesting by disturbing individuals through additional noise, temporary light exposure, and human presence in
general. However, the extended hours of use would only be offered when daylight savings time is not in effect
(approximately November through the first half of March), which is almost entirely outside the nesting bird and bat
maternity seasons. Additionally, any individuals attempting to nest or establish a maternity roost or utilize a nursery site
during the later months of the extended hours period would presumably be doing so with an existing level of light and
noise disturbance and could therefore be habituated to the stimuli. Further, the proposed project would not increase the
existing level or times of visitation to the Reserve, as visitors have been using the site as part of the City’s pilot study
Page 831 of 850
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 18 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
as well as unauthorized use prior to the pilot study. For these reasons, the effects of the proposed project on wildlife
using nursery, maternity, or nesting sites is not significant.
e) The City of San Luis Obispo’s General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element (COSE) contains policies to protect
special status species, City-designated species of local concern, and wildlife corridors (policies 7.3.1, 7.3.2, and 7.3.3).
Policy 7.3.1 requires protection of state and federally listed species and California Rare Plant Ranked plant species
though projects or actions on land-use, development, construction, creek maintenance, etc. The proposed project
would not conflict with this policy as the only federally listed species known from the site, mountain lion, would
occur only transiently, and would not be substantially affected by the project. No other state or federally listed
species are present within the project site.
Policy 7.3.2 outlines guidelines for protection of species of local concern, which includes species listed within the
COSE. Species of local concern are known from the site, including monarch butterfly, western skink, yellow -
rumped warbler, rufous-crowned sparrow, and ornate shrew, and generally raptors and nesting birds. With
implementation of the mitigation measures identified, the project would not conflict with policy 7.3.2.
Policy 7.3.3 requires that wildlife habitat, including corridors free of human disruption be preserved, where
necessary. As discussed above the project site does not provide immediate connectivity to separate open spaces or
core habitat areas. The proposed project would not substantially conflict with policy 7.3.3 or associate goals.
Additionally, COSE Policy 8.5.5 allows the City to consider passive recreation such as hiking, nature study, bicycle
use, etc. where it will not “degrade or significantly impact resource p reservation.” Overall, the proposed project would
not conflict with existing policies and ordinances protecting biological resources . The project would allow a limited
expansion of the hours of use, which is consistent with the current use established during the pilot program, and the
historic use due to illegal after-hours use prior to the pilot program. Therefore, potential impacts to resources are not
expected to increase from baseline conditions or to be significant in accordance with CEQA guidelines.
f) The Reserve is within the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Conservation Plan (2005), which was adopted and approved
by City Council resolution. Pertinent management goals are presented in Chapter 3 and include the following goals:
3.1 To conserve, enhance and restore natural plant communities; to protect sensitive and endangered plant species
and their habitats; and maintain biodiversity of native plants and animals.
3.2 To provide the public with a safe and pleasing natural environment in which to pursue pas sive recreational
activities, while maintaining the integrity of the resource and minimizing the impact on the wildlife and habitats
represented.
3.3 To preserve and restore creeks, wetlands and ephemeral seeps or springs in a natural state and provide suitable
habitat to all native aquatic and riparian species.
3.4 To conserve and protect native plant and animal species and enhance their habitats in order to maintain viable
wildlife populations within balanced ecosystems.
The proposed project would allow a limited expansion of the hours of use, which is consistent with the current use
established during the pilot program, and the historic use due to illegal after-hour use prior to the pilot program.
Therefore, potential impacts to natural plant communities, wildlife, and habitats are not expected to increase from
baseline conditions or to be significant in accordance with CEQA guidelines. The proposed project would not conflict
with the goals of the adopted local conservation plan. No other regional or state habitat conservation plans are applicable
to the site.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 19 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
Conclusion
Impacts related to candidate, sensitive, or special status species; riparian habitat and sensitive natural communities;
wetlands; wildlife movement; conflicts with local policies or ordinances; and conflicts with habitat conservation plans
would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
5. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a
historic resource pursuant to §15064.5 ? 6 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an
archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? 6 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of
formal cemeteries? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
a-c) The project does not include construction, rehabilitation, or ground disturbance which have the potential to damage or
uncover known or unknown historic or archaeological resources, or human remains. The Cerro San Luis Natural
Reserve Conservation Plan states that there are two archaeological sites located on the Reserve; however, extending the
hours of use would not impact these resources since use of the Reserve would be limited to the existing trail system in
accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 12.22.050(P) and the Conservation Guidelines for the City
of San Luis Obispo Policy HA12 (City of San Luis Obispo 2002), and would not affect these archaeological sites.
Conclusion
Impacts related to historic/cultural resources would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
6. ENERGY
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to
wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy
resources, during project construction or operation?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable
energy or energy efficiency? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Evaluation
a-b) The project would not include construction activities or operation of any building or structural development requiring
electricity, natural gas, or other types of energy. Trail users may use vehicles to travel to the Reserve which consume
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 20 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
energy resources. However, the number of trail users would be limited to the existing average baseline of 65 individual
and would therefore not increase energy consumption from vehicles entering/existing the Reserve. The project would
not result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources.
Conclusion
The project would not result wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary use of energy and the project would not conflict with or obstruct
plans related to renewable energy and efficiency. No mitigation is required.
7. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the
most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of
Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.
18, 19 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking? 18,19 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? 18-20 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
iv. Landslides? 18, 19 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? 6 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that
would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially
result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction or collapse?
18-20 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 1802.3.2 of the
California Building Code (2013), creating substantial direct or
indirect risks to life or property?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic
tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers
are not available for the disposal of waste water?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource
or site or unique geologic feature? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
According to the Department of Conservation and as identified in the Safety Element of the City General Plan, no active fault s
are located in the project site or its vicinity, and the project site is not located in an Alquist Priolo Earthquake Fault Zo ne. The
project site is located in an area with moderate potential for landslide hazards and low potential for liquefaction hazards.
a, c-d) The project does not include any grading, structural development, or habitable structures which have the potential to
expose persons or structures to geological hazards, including seismic ground shaking, ground failure, landslides,
unstable soils, or expansive soils.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 21 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
b) The use of dirt surface trails in the Reserve may result in minor soil erosion or loss of topsoil over time, however this
occurs under existing conditions. The expanded hours of use in the Reserve would occur during the typical rainy season
for San Luis Obispo where trail use at any time of day could result in rutting, rilling, or track -out of dirt. To address
potential safety hazards resulting from rainy conditions and to prevent damage to trails and soil erosion, the Director of
the City’s Parks and Recreation has the authority to close City Open Space during rain events and thereafter, until
conditions allow for reopening. Therefore, extended passive use of the Reserve would not result substantial erosion or
loss of topsoil.
e) No septic tanks or alternative wastewater systems are proposed or would be required. Therefore, no impact would occur.
f) The project does not include construction or ground disturbance which has the potential to damage or uncover known
or unknown paleontological resources or geologic features. Therefore, no significant impact would occur.
Conclusion
There would be no impact related to geologic hazards or septic systems. Impacts related to loss of topsoil and paleontological
resources would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
8. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly,
that may have a significant impact on the environment? 21 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted
for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? 21 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Evaluation
a-b) The State of California’ s Assembly Bill 32, the California Global Warming Solution Act of 2006 and California
Governor Schwarzenegger Executive Order S-3-05 (June 1, 2005), both require reductions of greenhouse gases in the
State of California. City policies recognize that compact, infill development allow for more efficient use of existing
infrastructure and Citywide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) also
recognizes that energy efficient design will result in significant energy savings, which result in emissions reductions.
The proposed project, however, does not include structural development subject to the efficiency measure typically
applied in those cases.
• SLOAPCD states that GHGs (CO2 and CH4) from all projects subject to CEQA must be quantified and mitigated to the
extent feasible. The California Office of Planning and Research has provided the following direction for the assessment
and mitigation of GHG emissions:
• Lead agencies should make a good-faith effort, based on available information, to calculate, model, or estimate the
amount of CO2 and other GHG emissions from a project, including the emissions associated with vehicular traffic,
energy consumption, water usage and construction activities;
• The potential effects of a project may be individually limited but cumulatively considerable. Lead agencies should not
dismiss a proposed project’ s direct and/or indirect climate change impacts without careful evaluation. All available
information and analysis should be provided for any project that may significantly contribute new GHG emissions,
either individually or cumulatively, directly or indirectly (e.g., transportation impacts); and,
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 22 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
• The lead agency must impose all mitigation measu res that are necessary to reduce GHG emissions to a less than
significant level. CEQA does not require mitigation measures that are infeasible for specific legal, economic,
technological, or other reasons. A lead agency is not responsible for wholly elimin ating all GHG emissions from a
project; the CEQA standard is to mitigate to a level that is “less than significant.
• As discussed in Section 3, Air Quality, the project does not include building construction or ground disturbing activities
which have the potential to generate construction related greenhouse gas emissions. Expanded hours of passive
recreational use of Reserve would not result in any direct operational related emissions as only hiking, jogging, or biking
are allowed. However, trail users may drive vehicles to the Reserve, which result in GHG emissions. As discussed in
the Project Description, the San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey (2015) indicated 65 individual visits represents
average daily use after allowable hours until 8:30 PM in the existing condition. Assuming that each of those visitors
arrives at the Reserve in a vehicle as a single occupant, the expected vehicle trips to the Reserve during this time would
be up to 65 per day. The San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey also found that 32 percent of open space users walk, bike,
or use other means of accessing open space other than driving a car. Since the project would limit the number of trail
users during the expanded hours to 65 individuals, which is the same as the existing average baseline , the project would
not result in additional GHG emissions from vehicle trips compared to existing conditions. Implementation of the
proposed project would not generate greenhouse gas emissions beyond existing baseline conditions and the project
would not conflict with any applicable plans related to greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Conclusion
Impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions would be less than significant. The project would not conflict with an applicable
greenhouse gas plan, policy, or regulation. No mitigation is required.
9. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment
through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment
through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely
hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter
mile of an existing or proposed school?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section
65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to
the public or the environment?
22-24 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where
such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public
airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety
hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the
project area?
25-27 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 23 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an
adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
28 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a
significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland
fires?
19 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
The following databases were reviewed in August 2021 for known hazardous material contamination and facilities at the project
site: United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Enviromapper, State Water Resources Control Board’s GeoTracker, and
the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s EnviroStor. According to these sources, there is no evidence of hazardous material
contamination at the Reserve and there are no registered hazardous material facilities on or adjacent to the Reserve.
a-d) The project includes extending the hours of use in the Reserve which would not require or result in the transport, use,
or disposal of hazardous materials. As such, the project would not result in the potential for upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous materials. In addition, implementation of the project would not expose users to
existing sources of contamination, as there are no known sources of hazardous material contamination at the Reserve.
e) The nearest public or private airport to the Reserve is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, located over two
miles to the southeast. The Reserve is not located in any safety hazard zones for the airport and the project does not
involve construction of any tall structures that co uld pose a hazard to aircraft overflight. As discussed in Section 13,
Noise, the Reserve is not located in within the noise level contours of the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.
f) There are no designated emergency response or emergency evacuation routes through the Reserve. However, as
discussed in the Project Description and detailed in An Evaluation of Hours of Use for City of San Luis Obispo Open
Space (City of San Luis Obispo 2017), the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve was considered for the extended hours of
use because it has access for emergency vehicles in the event of an emergency. San Luis Obispo Fire Department and
Ranger Service staff were consulted on emergency access issues as during selection of Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
and preparation of An Evaluation of Hours of Use for City of San Luis Obispo Open Space. Extending the hours of use
at the Reserve would not interfere with adopted emergency response plans or evacuation routes.
g) The project does not include any structural development or habitable structures. The Reserve is located in an area
identified with a Moderate Fire Hazard Risk. Most passive recreational use does not pose a fire risk, although activities
such as illegal smoking could pose a fire risk. Use of the trail during the extended hours would be limited to that already
occurring in the existing condition, thereby not exacerbating wildfire hazards or subjecting additional users to wildfire
hazards. Because use of the trail would not be more intensive than that occurring in the existing condition, the project
would not increase risk of wildfire.
Conclusion
There would be no impact related to hazards or hazardous materials. Impacts related to wildfire would be less than significant.
No mitigation is required.
10. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge
requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or
ground water quality?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 24 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere
substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project
may impede sustainable groundwater management of the
basin?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or
area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream
or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a
manner which would:
i. Result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off site; ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
ii. Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface
runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on-
or offsite;
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
iii. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed
the capacity of existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff; or
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
iv. Impede or redirect flood flows? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of
pollutants due to project inundation? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality
control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Evaluation
a-e) The project does not include structural development and no ground disturbance is proposed. Extending the hours of
use in the Reserve would not result in any physical changes that would have the potential to violate water quality
standards, alter existing drainage patterns, result in erosion or increased run -off compared to existing conditions,
impair or decrease groundwater supplies, risk release of pollutants during inundation, or conflict with a water quality
control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan.
Conclusion
There would be no impact related to hydrology and water quality. No mitigation is required.
11. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Physically divide an established community? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with
any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 25 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
Evaluation
a) Passive recreational use of the Reserve would continue to occur within the existing recreational areas/trails of the Reserve.
Extending the hours of use would not divide an established community and there would be no impact.
b) The Reserve has an existing land use designation of Open Space and is zoned Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-20). The
project does not include proposed changes to the Reserve’s land use or zoning designation. The City’s existing Open
Space Regulation (Municipal Code Section 12.22) prohibits use of City open space from one hour after sunset until one
hour before sunrise. The Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Conservation Plan does not include policies related to hours of
use. The project includes revisions to the City’s existing Open Space Regu lations to permanently extend the public use
hours on the existing Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve trail system within City property. The hours of use would be
extended to between one hour before sunrise until 8:30 PM when daylight savings time is not in effect. Public use hours
when daylight savings time is in effect would remain from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. With the
proposed changes to the Open Space Regulations, the project would be consistent with these regulations. Therefore ,
extending the hours of use would not conflict with the City land use plans, policies, or regulations.
Conclusion
There would no impacts related to physically dividing an established community. Impacts related to conflicts with plans, policies,
or regulations would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
12. MINERAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource
that would be of value to the region and the residents of the
state?
1 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral
resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan,
specific plan or other land use plan?
1 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Evaluation
a-b) Mineral extraction is prohibited within City limits and no known regionally or locally significant mineral resources
have been designated in the Reserve. Implementation of the proposed project would extend the hours of passive
recreational use in the Reserve and no mineral extraction or exploration is proposed.
Conclusion
There would be no impacts related to mineral resources. No mitigation is required.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 26 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
13. NOISE
Would the project result in:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of
standards established in the local general plan or noise
ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
19 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne
noise levels? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or
an airport land use plan, or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project expose people residing or working in
the project area to excessive noise levels?
19, 25 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Evaluation
a) The project does not include building construction or ground disturbing activities which have the potential to generate
construction related noise. Extending the hours of use in the Reserve could result in noise associated with vehicles
within the parking area for the Reserve, or audible voices along the trails, however these sources of noise currently
occur under existing baseline conditions. Amplified music is prohibited by the City’s Open Space Regulations. In
accordance with the City’s Noise Element and Ordinance, the expanded hours of use in the Reserve would still occur
within allowable noise generating hours (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM) and would not generate noise levels in excess of 60dB.
b) The project does not include building construction or ground disturbi ng activities which have the potential to generate
groundborne vibration.
c) The nearest public or private airport to the Reserve is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, located over two
miles to the southeast. The Reserve is not located in within the airport noise level contours. Extending the hours of use
in the Reserve would not subject users to excessive noise levels generated by aircrafts entering/exiting the airstrip.
Conclusion
Impacts related to temporary or permanent noise increases would be less than significant. There would be no impact related to
groundborne vibration or exposure to excessive aviation related noise. No mitigation is required.
14. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area,
either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of
roads or other infrastructure)?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 27 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing,
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Evaluation
a-b) Implementation of the project would extend the hours of passive recreational use in the Reserve which would not
directly or indirectly induce population growth. No permanent structures or housing would be displaced as part of the
project.
Conclusion
There would be no impact related to population and housing. No mitigation is required.
15. PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance
objectives for any of the public services:
1. Fire protection? 27, 28 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
2. Police protection? 27, 28 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
3. Schools? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
4. Parks? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
5. Other public facilities? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Evaluation
The City of San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) provides public safety services for the city and is comprised of 8 7.5
employees, 61 of which are sworn police officers. With the current 61 sworn officers, the current service level is a ratio of 0.84
sworn officers per 1,000 service population. The SLOPD operates out of one main police station, which is located at 1042
Walnut Street at the intersection of Santa Rosa (Highway 1) and US 101. The City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department
(SLOFD) provides emergency response services for the city, including fire and medical, and is comprised of 57 full time
employees. The SLOFD operates out of four fire stations in the city and both Fire Station #1 (2160 Santa Barbara Ave) and
Fire Station #2 (126 North Chorro Street) are within one mile of the Reserve. Public parks and recreation trails within the city
are managed and maintained by the City Department of Parks and Recreation.
a)1.-a)2. The Reserve is within the service area of the City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department and Police Department and the
City’s Parks and Recreation Department Ranger provides additional support and emergency service. The possibility
exists that expanded hours of use during the evening could result in increased calls for service , however, under current
conditions, only 1-2 calls per month are for emergency services at the Reserve. During the 3-year pilot program, only
1 call for emergency service occurred during the extended hours of use. As noted in the Project Description, the City’s
Parks and Recreation Department Ranger Service personnel would provide oversight and additional patrol of the
Reserve during the extended hours of use. In addition, the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve was considered for the
extended hours of use because it has access for emergency vehicles in the event of an emergency. San Luis Obispo
Fire Department and Ranger Service staff were consulted on emergency access issues during selection of Cerro San
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 28 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
Luis Natural Reserve and preparation of An Evaluation of Hours of Use for City of San Luis Obispo Open Space. The
proposed project would not substantially affect service ratios or performance objectives for fire or police protection
services, nor result in the need to construct new fire or police facilities.
a)3. The project would increase the current hours of use of the Reserve which is intended to expand the allowable
accessible open space/recreational activity in the City. In addition, as discussed in Section 14, Population and
Housing, the project would not induce population growth or increase demand for parks/recreational facilities within
the city, such that new facilities would be required. Access to the Reserve would be limited to existing average baseline
of 65 individuals and would not increase demand for the Reserve beyond what occurs in the existing condition.
a)4. As discussed in Section 14, Population and Housing, the project does not include the construction of housing and
would not generate population growth. Because implementation of the project would not introduce new students to
the local school districts, the project would not require new or altered school facilities and would not otherwise affect
service ratios or performance objectives for schools.
a)5. As discussed in Section 14, Population and Housing, the project does not include the construction of housing and
would not generate population growth. Because implementation of the project would not introduce new residents to
the area, the project would not require new or altered public facilities, such as libraries, and would not otherwise affect
service ratios or performance objectives for public facilities.
Conclusion
Impacts related to fire and police services would be less than significant and there would be no impact related to environmen tal
issues regarding additional parks/recreation, schools, or other public facilities. No mitigation is required.
16. RECREATION
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and
regional parks or other recreational facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or
be accelerated?
29 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might
have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
29 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Evaluation
Including the Reserve, existing City recreational facilities consist of 28 parks and recreational facilities, 10 designated natural
resources and open space areas, and two bike trails. The City of San Luis Obispo General Plan Parks and Recreation Element
identifies goals, policies, and programs to help plan, develop, and maintain community parks and recreation facilities. The
City’s statement of overall department goals is for the City Parks and Recreation facilities and programs to enable all citizens
to participate in fun, healthful, or enriching activities that enhance the quality of life in the community.
a) The project would extend the hours of use within the Reserve. As discussed in Section 14, Population and Housing, the
project would not generate population growth. The project would limit use of the Reserve at existing levels of 65 daily
visits per day between one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM when daylight savings time is not in effect, consistent with
existing conditions, thereby not increasing demand for the Reserve beyond what already occurs. The project would not
result in substantial physical deterioration of the Reserve.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 29 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
b) The project would extend the hours of use within the Reserve. As discussed in Section 14, Population and Housing, the
project would not generate population growth or increase the use of existing recreational facilities such that new or
expanded facilities would be required.
Conclusion
Impacts related to increased use of existing recreational facilities would be less than significant. There would no impact related
to new or expanded recreational facilities. No mitigation is required.
17. TRANSPORTATION
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing
the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and
pedestrian facilities?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section
15064.3, subdivision (b)? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature
(e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses (e.g. farm equipment)?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Result in inadequate emergency access? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
a-b) As discussed in the Project Description, the San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey (2015) indicated 65 individual visits
represents average daily use after allowable hours until 8:30 PM. Assuming that each of those visitors arrives at the
Reserve in a vehicle as a single occupant, the expected vehicle trips to the Reserve during this time are anticipated to
be 65 per day, which is the existing baseline. The San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey also found that 32 percent of
open space users walk, bike, or use other means of accessing open space other than driving a car. The project would
limit access from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM to the existing baseline of 65 individuals and would therefore not
increase vehicle miles traveled. The project does not include any improvements that could conflict with any program,
plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system.
c) There are no design features, incompatible uses, or other components that have the potential to increase traffic hazards
or result in inadequate emergency access for vehicles.
d) As discussed in the Project Description, the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve was considered for the extended hours of
use because it has access for emergency vehicles in the event of an emergency. The project would not alter the existing
emergency access to the Reserve. The project would not result in significant impacts related to emergency access.
Conclusion
Impacts related to conflict with circulation system plans, ordinances, and policies; conflict or inconsistency with CEQA
Guidelines section 15064.3(b), and inadequate emergency access would be less than significant. There would be no impacts
related to hazards due to a geometric design feature. No mitigation is required.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 30 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
18. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources
Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, or cultural
landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and
scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to
a California Native American tribe, and that is: Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of
Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical
resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section
5020.1(k)?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and
supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to
criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code
Section 5024.1? In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision
(c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency
shall consider the significance of the resource to a California
Native American tribe.
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
As of July 1, 2015, California Assembly Bill 52 of 2014 (AB 52) was enacted and expands CEQA by defining a new resource
category, “tribal cultural resources.” AB 52 establishes that “A project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change
in the significance of a tribal cultural resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment” (PRC Sectio n
21084.2). It further states that the lead agency shall establish measures to avoid impacts that would alter the significant
characteristics of a tribal cultural resource, when feasible (PRC Section 21084.3).
PRC Section 21074 (a)(1)(A) and (B) defines tribal cultural resources as “sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacre d
places, and objects with cultural value to a California Native American tribe” and is:
1. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resou rces
as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
2. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying these criteria, the
lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.
AB 52 also establishes a formal consultation process for California tribes regarding those resources. The consultation proces s
must be completed before a CEQA document can be certified. Under AB 52, lead agencies are required to “begin consultation
with a California Native American tribe that is traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the propo sed
project.” Native American tribes to be included in the process are those that hav e requested notice of projects proposed within
the jurisdiction of the lead agency.
California Government Code Section 65352.3 (adopted pursuant to the requirements of Senate Bill 18 [SB 18]) requires local
governments to contact, refer plans to, and consult with tribal organizations prior to making a decision to adopt or amend a
general or specific plan. The tribal organizations eligible to consult have traditional lands in a local government’s jurisdi ction,
and are identified, upon request, by the NAHC. As noted in the California Office of Planning and Research’s Tribal Consultation
Guidelines (2005), “The intent of SB 18 is to provide California Native American tribes an opportunity to participate in loca l
land use decisions at an early planning stage, for the purpose of protecting, or mitigating impacts to, cultural places.” SB 18 also
states that “if land designated, or proposed to be designated as open space, contains a place, feature, or object described in
Sections 5097.9 and 5097.995 of the Public Resources Code, the city or county in which the place, feature, or object is located
shall conduct consultations with the California Native American tribe, if any, that has given notice pursuant to Section 6509 2 for
the purpose of determining the level of c onfidentiality required to protect the specific identity, location, character, or use of the
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 31 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
place, feature, or object and for the purpose of developing treatment with appropriate dignity of the place, feature, or obje ct in
any corresponding management plan.”
a-b) Native American Tribes were notified about the project consistent with City and State regulations including, but not
limited to, SB 18 and AB 52. The City contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) which
supplied a list of local Native American individuals and/or groups with interests and knowledge about the area in August
2021. The City sent tribal consultation letters to tribes that had previously requested consultation and to the NAHC list.
The letters were sent out via certified mail and e-mail in 2021 on July 30, August 2, and August 3. The tribes that were
contacted included the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians; Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians; Salinan
Tribe of San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and San Benito Counties; Xolon-Salian Tribe; yak tityu yak tiłhini – Northern
Chumash Tribe; Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians; Chumash Council of Bakersfield; Coastal Band of the
Chumash Nation; San Luis Obispo County Chumash Council; Northern Chumash Tribal Council; and Tule River Indian
Tribe.
The City received a total of four responses from contacts at the aforementioned list of tribes. Contacts from the Santa
Ynez Band of Mission Indians and Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians declined any further consultation. A
response from the Northern Chumash Tribal Council indicated that no further consultation is requested however they
were in general opposition to the project. The yak tityu yak tiłhini – Northern Chumash Tribe did not request
consultation, but suggested signage be provided that states wildlife should not be disturbed if encountered. Since no
tribes have requested formal consultation in accordance with SB and AB 52 and since there is no evidence of tribal
cultural resources that would be affected at the site, the project would not result in a significant impact on tribal cultural
resources.
Conclusion
Impacts related to tribal cultural resources would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
19. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or
expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage,
electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and
reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry,
and multiple dry years?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider
which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate
capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to
the provider’s existing commitments?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in
excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise
impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction
statutes and regulations related to solid waste? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 32 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
Evaluation
a-c) The proposed project does not include structural development which would require water, wastewater, electricity,
natural gas, or telecommunications infrastructure.
d-e) Extending the hours of use in the Reserve would not increase solid waste/trash generation. Trash generated by trail users
would be disposed of in City provided trash enclosures within the Reserve. This minor amount of solid waste would be
similar that being generated in the existing condition and would not exceed capacities of local infrastructure. Solid waste
disposal services provided by San Luis Garbage would continue to comply with all local, state, federal regulations.
Conclusion
There would be no impact related to water/water supply, wastewater treatment, storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas,
or telecommunications facilities. Impacts related to solid waste would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
20. WILDFIRE
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as
very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project:
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan? 30 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate
wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to,
pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled
spread of a wildfire?
30 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated
infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water
sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire
risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the
environment?
30 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including
downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of
runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes?
30 ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
Evaluation
a-b) The project does not include any structural development or habitable structures and the Reserve is not located in a Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Specifically, the project site is located within an area designated as Moderate Fire
Hazard Risk. As discussed in Section 8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, there are no designated emergency response
or emergency evacuation routes through the Reserve; therefore, the project would not substantially impair any adopted
emergency response or evacuation plan. Passive recreational use of the Reserve is intermittent and temporary, and
extending the hours of use in the Reserve would not directly or indirectly expose users to significant wildfire risk,
wildfire created hazards, or exacerbate wildfire hazards within an area classified as a very high fire hazard severity
zone.
c) The project does not include the installation or maintenance of infrastructure that could exacerbate fire risk.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 33 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
d) The project site is primarily surrounded by open space and rural land, does not include any structural development or
habitable structures, and is not located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The project does not include any
grading, construction, vegetation removal activities, or drainage changes. Expanded hours of passive recreational use of
the Reserve would not expose people or structures to significant risks as a result of runoff, post -fire slope instability, or
drainage changes. Based on existing use of the Reserve, and the authority of the Parks and Recreation Director to close
City Open Space during rain events and thereafter, potential impacts would be less than significant.
Conclusion
Impacts related to impairment of an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan and exacerbation of wildfire risk
would be less than significant. There would be no significant impacts related to exacerbation of wildfire risk from installation or
maintenance of infrastructure or exposure of people or structures to significant risks as a result of runoff, post -fire slope
instability, or drainage changes. No mitigation is required.
21. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a
fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to
drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant
or animal community, substantially reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the major periods of California
history or prehistory?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
As described in Section 4, Biological Resources, the project site was previously developed and project implementation would
have less than significant impacts to biological resources. The project would not impact wildlife habitats or cause wildlife
populations to drop below self-sustaining levels. Additionally, Section 5, Cultural Resources, explains that the project would not
adversely affect any historic or archeological resources. Impacts would be less than significant.
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable”
means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of past p rojects,
the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable
future projects)?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 34 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
The Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve is the only City of San Luis Obispo open space property (out of 14) proposed for expanded
winter hours of use. As described in Sections 1 through 20 of this Initial Study, the project would have no impacts or less than
significant impacts. These include short-term, long-term, and where appropriate, cumulative impacts. As discussed in Section 3,
Air Quality and Section 8, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, implementation of the project would not generate new pollutant
emissions, therefore the project would not contribute to cumulative air quality or greenhouse gas emission impacts. As discussed
in Section 13, Noise, the project would not generate noise levels in excess of local standards; therefore, the project would not
contribute to cumulative increases in noise. As discussed in Section 17, Transportation, the number of operational vehicle trips
generated by the project would be consistent with those under existing conditions and the project would not contribute to
cumulative transportation related impacts.
As described in Section 4, Biological Resources, the project site was previously developed and project implementation would
have less than significant impacts to biological resources. The project would not impact wildlife habitats or cause wildlife
populations to drop below self-sustaining levels. As mentioned above, the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve is the only City of
San Luis Obispo open space property (out of 14) proposed for expanded winter hours of use and the Reserve is surrounded by
similar natural and open space areas, including Irish Hills Natural Reserve and the Los Padres National Forest. The project would
not considerably contribute to cumulative effects to biological resources as it does not build upon the effects of past proje cts or
projects within the foreseeable future.
Certain resource areas (e.g., agricultural and mineral) were determined to have no impact in comparison to existing conditions.
Therefore, the project would not contribute to cumulative impacts related to these issues. Other issues (e.g., archaeological and
paleontological resources, geology and soils, and hazards and hazardous materials) are by their nature project-specific and
impacts at one location do not add to impacts at other locations or create additive impacts. In addition, the proposed projec t
would not generate population growth or construct habitable structures; therefore, it would not contribute to any cumulative
increases in demand for public services, or utilities such as water, wastewater, and solid waste service. The project ’s contribution
to cumulative impacts would not be cumulatively considerable and cumulative impacts of the proposed project would be less
than significant.
Sources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No
Impact
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause
substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
In general, and as analyzed in this Initial Study, impacts to human beings are associated with air quality contaminants, haza rds
related to adverse geologic conditions, exposure to hazards and hazardous materials, and excessive noise. As detailed in anal yses
in Section 3, Air Quality, Section 7, Geology and Soils, Section 9, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Section 10, Hydrology
and Water Quality, and Section 13, Noise, the proposed project would not result, either directly or indirectly, in substantial
adverse effects related to these hazards. Compliance with applicable rules and regulations, as described throughout this Initial
Study would reduce potential impacts on human beings to a less than significant level.
22. EARLIER ANALYSES
Earlier analysis may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have
been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or Negative Declaration. Section 15063 (c) (3) (D). In this case a discussion should
identify the following items:
a) Earlier analysis used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review.
On January 16, 2018, the City Council approved Resolution 10858, which authorized a two -year pilot program and adopted a
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) to expand the hours of use at the Reserve until 8:30 PM during the winter when daylight
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 35 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
savings time is not in effect.6,7 The pilot program allowed the City to issue up to 65 permits daily for access to approximately
4.9 miles of trails within City property within the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM
when daylight savings time is not in effect. On November 17, 2020, the City approved a one-year extension of the pilot program
and adopted an Addendum to the 2018 MND.
The analysis provided in this Initial Study has been prepared and provided independent of the previous MND. No tiering or
incorporation/refinement of previous mitigation measures have been applied.
b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately
analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by
mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.
See Response in Checklist Item 22a.
c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe the mitigation
measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site -specific
conditions of the project.
See Response in Checklist Item 22a.
23. SOURCE REFERENCES
1. City of San Luis Obispo Conservation & Open Space Element (COSE), 2006
2. California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program,
http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp/ (retrieved August 2021)
3. San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District, County Attainment Status, 2021
4. San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District CEQA Air Quality Handbook, April 2012 (revised
November 2017)
5. San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District Clean Air Plan, December 2001
6. Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve Conservation Plan; City of San Luis Obispo, 2005
7. Terre Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC. 2017. Summary and Results of Wildlife Surveys at Cerro San Luis
Natural Reserve, City of San Luis Obispo, California.
8. Terre Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC. 2019. Summary and Results of Wildlife Surveys at Cerro San Luis
Natural Reserve, City of San Luis Obispo, California.
9. Terre Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC. 2021. Summary and Results of Wildlife Surveys at Cerro San Lu is
Natural Reserve, City of San Luis Obispo, California.
10. Larson, C.L., S.E. Reed, A.M. Merenlender, K.R. Crooks. 2016. Effects of Recreation on Animals Revealed as
Widespread through a Global Systematic Review. PLOS One.
11. ERO Resources Corporation. 2012. Nighttime Access Management White Paper Analysis. April.
12. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2021. California Natural Diversity Database. Rarefind V. Accessed
August 2021.
13. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2021. List of Sensitive Natural Communities. Access August 2021.
14. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2021. Special Animals List. Biogeographic Data Branch, California
Natural Diversity Database. July 2021.
15. California Native Plant Society. 2021. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants. V.7 -08c-Interim 8-22-02. Updated
online and accessed via: www.rareplants.cnps.org. Accessed August 2021.
16. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2021. Information for Planning and Consultation online Project planning
tool. Available at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. Accessed August 2021.
17. Western Bat Species. 2021. Western Bat Working Group. Access at http://wbwg.org/western-bat-species/ August
2021.
6 The City Council agenda and minutes for January 16, 2019 are available on -line at:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=70277&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
7 The MND is available online at: https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/Project/2017091049
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 36 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2020
18. Department of Conservation, Earthquake California Earthquake Hazards Zone Application, 2019
19. City of San Luis Obispo Safety Element, 2014
20. County of San Luis Obispo, Safety Element, 1999
21. City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action Plan, August 2020
22. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Enviromapper for Envirofacts, 2021
23. Department of Toxic Substances Control, EnviroStor, 2021
24. State Water Resources Control Board, Geotracker, 2021
25. County of San Luis Obispo, Amended and Restated San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) Airport Land
Use Plan, 2021
26. City of San Luis Obispo Noise Element, 1996
27. City of San Luis Obispo. General Plan Annual Report. 2020.
28. San Luis Obispo, City of. An Evaluation of Hours of Use for City of San Luis Obispo Open Space. 2017.
29. City of San Luis Obispo General Plan Parks and Recreation Element, 2001
30. CalFIRE, Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps. 2021.
31. Riggs, et al. San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey. 2015.
32. San Luis Obispo, City of. City of San Luis Obispo Winter Evening Access, Pilot Program Statistics. 2021.
33. San Luis Obispo, City of. Conservation Guidelines for the City of San Luis Obispo . 2002.
Page 850 of 850
Recommendation1. Introduce an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the CityCouncil of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, AmendingTitle 12, Streets Sidewalks and Public Places, Municipal CodeChapter 12.22, Open Space Regulations, to Add AdditionalLanguage to 12.22.050(B) to Allow a Special Program for WinterEvening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve” and,2. Approve a Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the CityCouncil of the City of San Luis Obispo, Adopting a NegativeDeclaration for Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San LuisNatural Reserve.”1City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Project Review Background & Prior Council Direction:1. Members of the public first approached City Council in 2016 requesting reconsideration of Open Space hours of use when daylight savings time is not in effect during the winter.2. Following a City Council directed process, public hearings on this item were held on February 21, 2017, March 21, 2017, and October 24, 2017. This included a project plan, a staff-prepared public policy analysis, and site suitability analysis / selection.3. On January 16, 2018, the City Council passed Resolution No. 10858 (2018 Series) that approved a two-year Pilot Program and adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. 4. On November 17, 2020, the City Council approved a one-year, temporary extension of the Pilot Program and adopted an Addendum to the prior Mitigated Negative Declaration.2Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural ReserveCity Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021
Project Review Background & Prior Council Direction (cont.):5. At the conclusion of the Pilot Program, staff scheduled a studysession with City Council that took place on March 16, 2021, at whichtime Council voted to receive and file the Final Summary Report for thePilot Program and to update the City’s Open Space Regulations (SLOMuni Code chapter 12.22) to allow for the program to continue on anongoing basis only at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, with therequirement to use the permitting system in the month of Decemberonly.3Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural ReserveCity Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021
Implementation of the Pilot Program – 2018 through 2021:1. In accordance with Council direction and approval, staff implemented a pilot program at the 118-acre Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve (the “Reserve”) that included a detailed and specific project description allowing extended evening hours of use for passive recreational purposes along approximately 4.9 miles of trails during the winter months when daylight savings time is not in effect.2. The Pilot Program took place during the winter season for 2018-19 (Sunday, November 4 to Sunday, March 10) 2019-20 (Sunday November 3 to Sunday March 8), and 2020-21 (Sunday November 1 to Sunday March 14). During these time periods, public use was allowed between one hour before sunrise until 8:30 PM. At the conclusion of each year of the Pilot Program, the hours of use for the public resumed back to one hour before sunrise through one hour after sunset, per the City's Open Space Regulations.4City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Implementation of the Pilot Program – 2018 through 2021:Administration of the Pilot Program included oversight and additionalpatrol during the published timeframes of the winter evening hours,deployment of an EcoCounterTMdevice to track frequency of human useand hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, as well as a newreservation permitting system “app” in order to ensure that use duringexpanded hours remained commensurate with existing average dailybaseline use of 65 individuals. Key findings included that utilization wasgreatest during the month of December, and that the vast majority ofpermits were issued to hikers.5Permitting 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 TotalBiking 307 342 177826Hiking 2853 2405 24056957Total 3160 2747 2702 7783City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Proposed Amendment to Open Space Ordinance:In order to carry out Open Space Winter Evening Hours of Use at CerroSan Luis Natural Reserve, the City Council has directed staff to revise theCity’s existing Open Space Regulations (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code,Chapter 12.22) to extend the public use hours on the existing Cerro SanLuis Natural Reserve trail system within City property. The hours of usewould be extended to between one hour before sunrise until 8:30 PMwhen daylight savings time is not ineffect. Public use hours when daylightsavings is in effect would remain from one hour before sunrise until onehour after sunset.The exact date when daylight savings time ends in November and beginsin March varies from year to year. In the 2021-2022 winter season, forexample, daylight savings time will end on November 7, 2021, and willstart again on March 13, 2022. The expanded winter evening hours of useuntil 8:30 PM would therefore be allowed during the timeframe betweenNovember 7, 2021, and March 13, 2022, during the first year of ongoingimplementation.6City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Proposed Amendment to Open Space Ordinance:The Open Space Regulations are proposed to be revised as follows(proposed changes are shown in underline text):12.22.050(B): Presence in Open SpaceLands Restricted to Certain Hours– No Overnight Usage.Open space lands where public access is permittedshall be open to the public from dawn to dusk. It shall be unlawful to enter orremain within such landsbetween one hour after sunset and one hour beforesunrise of the following day withoutapproval from the director. Notwithstandingthe foregoing, the City may implement a special program at Cerro San LuisNatural Reserve only that allowsfor extended hours of use until 8:30 PM,Pacific Standard Time, when daylight savings time is not in effect, inaccordance with City Council Resolution R-[XXXXX] (2021 Series) adoptedonOctober 19, 2021, or as such Resolution may be subsequently amended bythe Council consistent with the purpose of this ordinance and theenvironmental review document supporting this provision. All other provisionsof the Open Space Regulations contained in this Chapter 12.22 shall remainineffect.7City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Resolution to Adopt a Negative Declaration:An Initial Study and Environmental Review has been prepared for theproject with assistance from the firmRincon Consultants that concludes“there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole of the record beforethe agency, that the project may have a significant effect on theenvironment” and therefore a Negative Declaration is the appropriateenvironmental determination in accordance with the CaliforniaEnvironmental Quality Act (CEQA Guidelines Section 15070 and 15075).Less than significant impacts were identified in the areas of Aesthetics,Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Air Quality, Biological Resources,Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions,Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Land Use and Planning, Noise, PublicServices, Recreation, Transportation, Tribal and Cultural Resources,Utilities/Service Systems, and Wildfire. Impacts that are individuallylimited, but could be “cumulatively considerable,” were also found to beless than significant.8City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Resolution to Adopt a Negative Declaration (cont.):Prior to the Pilot Program, the average daily use at Cerro San LuisNatural Reserve between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM wasrecorded as 65 individuals, despite the City’s existing Open SpaceRegulations provision that open space is closed one hour after sunset.Therefore, the existing average baseline use that will be adhered to duringthe ongoing Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis NaturalReserve program is 65 individuals.Existing case law supports the establishment of existing, average baselineconditions that are occurring in the environment as a basis forenvironmental review [see Fat v. County of Sacramento (2002) 97Cal.App.4th 1270; Communities for a Better Environment v. South CoastAir Quality Management District, et al. (2010) 48 Cal.4th 310(“Communities for a Better Environment); Communities for a BetterEnvironment v. South Coast Air Quality Management District (TesoroRefining and Marketing Company, LLC, Real Party in Interest) (2nd Dist.2020) 47 Cal.App.5th 588].9City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Resolution to Adopt a Negative Declaration (cont.):In 2015, the City’s Natural Resources Program partnered with faculty inthe City and Regional Planning Department at California Polytechnic StateUniversity, San Luis Obispo, to conduct a wide-ranging survey of openspace trends and levels of use, as well as a needs assessment. Thesurvey and study was conducted by Dr. William Riggs and studentsworking under his supervision.This study utilized an EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of humanuse and hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, among severallocations, including the timeframe between December 2014 and March2015 and during evening hours between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM (City ofSan Luis Obispo, Open Space Survey. Riggs et. al. 2015). It is throughthis study that the existing average daily baseline use of 65 individualswas established.10City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Public Engagement and Environmental Review Comments:Staff conducted public engagement activities in accordance with theapproved project plan and the City’s Public Engagement and NoticingManual throughout the process of preparing, designing, and implementingthe Pilot Program, to include notification of the March 2021 study sessionand tonight’s agenda item.As has been the case throughout the process, this topic has generatedconsiderable public interest as demonstrated by significant levels ofwritten and verbal comments at the City Council meetings, in print andsocial media outlets, and with an online petition that was submitted to theCity Council.11City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Public Engagement and Environmental Review Comments:As required by Assembly Bill 52 of 2014 and Senate Bill 18 of 2004, theTribal Consultation Notification period began on August 2, 2021, prior tocompletion of the Initial Study. Tribal Consultation Notifications weresentto historically and culturally affiliated tribes on the Native AmericanHeritage Commission list for San Luis Obispo County dated as of August2, 2021.While there are no tribes that have indicated that they would like to initiatethe consultation process, the City did receive a request from Mona TuckerOlivas on behalf of the yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini – Northern Chumash Tribeto include signs that encourage visitors to not disturb wildlife (which hasbeen incorporated into the project description). The Northern ChumashTribal Council also responded that they are opposed to the project; onAugust 18, 2021, Fred Collins wrotein an email, “NCTC is opposed to anynighttime hiking with bright lights and noise of human voices.” The Cityreceived additional correspondence this afternoon from Violet SageWalker on behalf of NCTC.12City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Public Engagement and Environmental Review Comments:On September 9, 2021, the Notice of Intent to Adopt a NegativeDeclaration was filed with the San Luis Obispo County-Clerk Recorder’sOffice, the State Clearing House, and was published in theNew Timesasa newspaper of general circulation in the area effected by the proposedproject. The Notice of Intent sets forth a 30-day public comment periodthat concluded on October 11, 2021.No comments had been received as of October 11, 2021, related to thedraft Initial Study and Negative Declaration, including from responsiblestate and federal agencies. However, following the publication of the CityCouncil Agenda two pieces of correspondence have been received thatmerit further review and response so that Council’s deliberation anddecision-making can be done “…in light of the whole of the record” asprovided for under the California Environmental Quality Act.Several pieces of correspondence addressed to the City Council havebeen received in the past 48 hours, including as recently as thisafternoon, that raise issues that staff have not yet had adequate time toevaluate and address.13City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Public Engagement and Environmental Review Comments:Recent items of correspondence addressed to the City Council, includingitems received as recently as this afternoon, raise several issue areas thatmay warrant additional evaluation.Key issues and new information include:1. Offsite impacts to surrounding private lands comprising portions ofCerro San Luis that are not owned or controlled by the City, as well asunauthorized access points in existing neighborhoods.2. The sufficiency of the identification of the average daily baseline levelof use derived from the EcoCounterTMdevice during the Open SpaceSurvey (Riggs et. al. 2015).3. Resident observations of increased levels of use since theestablishment of the Pilot Program, as well as observation ofdecreased abundance of wildlife.4. New academic research studies that suggest potential impacts towildlife, as well a State of California report published by theDepartment of Fish and Wildlife.14City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Project Implementation and Next Steps:If approved, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department Ranger Servicepersonnel would continue to provide oversight and additional patrol of theReserve during the extended hours of use. In accordance with CityCouncil direction, the project description has been written such that apermit program would be permanently implemented to limit access to theCerro San Luis Natural Reserve trail system to 65 individuals during theextended hours during December, which had the highest demand for nighthiking during the pilot program, and a permit would not be needed foraccess from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM during the months ofNovember and January through March. However, Ranger Service andNatural Resources Program staff would deploy an EcoCounterTMdevice totrack frequency of human use and hours of use at the Reserve.15City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Project Implementation and Next Steps (Cont.):The EcoCounterTMdevice utilizes sensors to track pedestrians andcyclists accessing the Reserve at the trailhead. If it is determined that useduring the extended hours exceeds the existing average daily baselineuse of 65 individuals during the months of November and January throughMarch that was established prior to the Pilot Program, the permittingsystem would be re-instated the day after the exceedance occurs for allprogram months in order to ensure that use does not exceed 65individuals; this would require daily retrieval of data from the device itselfwhere it is located in the field. Re-instatement of the permitting systemwould be communicated to the public via social media, the City website,and rangers stationed at the trailhead.For purposes of operational and public communication efficiency,however, staff strongly recommends that the City Council elect to requirepermits for all program months at the time of adoption; an Alternative forthis is provided.16City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Project Implementation and Next Steps (Cont.):The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has developed informationand educational materials for the publicthat is specific to nighttime useand wildlife at the Reserve. These materials will re-iterate the City’s rulesand regulations in effect, as well as highlight the sensitivity of eveninguse, potential for wildlife interactions and impacts, and methods to avoidor reduce impacts, including requiring visitors to stay on established trailsduring nighttime use. These informational materials will be available onthe City’s website (with potential to access on-site via a QR code), at thetrailhead entrance of the Reserve, and on pamphlets that can be handedout or placed in a rack on the kiosk at the entrance of the Reserve. Permitapplicants will be provided with the information and educational materialsduring the application process and be required to acknowledge receiptand confirm understanding prior to receiving the permit.17City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Project Implementation and Next Steps (Cont.):Should the City Council choose tointroduce the Ordinance and approvethe Resolution described in the recommendation, staff will schedule thesecond reading and final adoption of the Ordinance for the City Councilmeeting on November 2, 2021. In accordance with the City of San LuisObispo’s authority to enact localordinances, under Government Codesection 36937 an additional 30-day period is required after final passageuntil an adopted ordinance can go into effect; accordingly, the soonestthat the ongoing Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis NaturalReserve program could begin is December 3, 2021. While this is nearly amonth after daylight savings time ends, it would still be timely in terms ofwhen the program was most active during the Pilot Program in the monthof December.18City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Fiscal and Staffing Impacts:1. Direct fiscal impacts are anticipated to be relatively minor consistingofexpenditures and purchasing of new field equipment, printing costs forthe new educational materials and signs, biological surveys, andimplementation of the reservation-based permit system. To continue,no further equipment purchases are necessary at present, but mayneed replacement as time goes on.2. Ranger Service staff resources would continue to be needed foroversight, education, patrol, and monitoring efforts necessary toconduct the permanent program. Ranger Service staff hours andavailability has been enhanced as part of the 2021-23 Financial Plan,although administration of the program still represent an opportunitycost and trade-off relative to other tasks they perform. Overall stafftime is estimated at $30,000 annually.3. The Fire Department would continue to have the possibility of difficultand challenging rescue situations. One call for assistance was made atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve during the Pilot Program.19City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve
20City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural ReserveRecommendation1. Introduce an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the CityCouncil of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, AmendingTitle 12, Streets Sidewalks and Public Places, Municipal CodeChapter 12.22, Open Space Regulations, to Add AdditionalLanguage to 12.22.050(B) to Allow a Special Program for WinterEvening Hours of Use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve” and,2. Approve a Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the CityCouncil of the City of San Luis Obispo, Adopting a NegativeDeclaration for Winter Evening Hours of Use at Cerro San LuisNatural Reserve.”
Potential Alternatives for City Council’s Consideration:1. Approve the recommendation, but for purposes ofoperational and public communications efficiency, requirepermits for all program months.2. Provide direction to staff to make changes to the draftResolution or draft Ordinance and return to Council foradoption.3. Deny the project and direct staff to take no further action onOpen Space Winter Hours of Use programming anddiscontinue future work efforts.4. Direct staff to undertake additional evaluation and analysis ofpublic comments and information prior to taking furtheraction, close the public hearing, and come back to Councilwith recommendations for further action at a date uncertain.21City Council Hearing ~ October 19, 2021Winter Evening Hours of Use atCerro San Luis Natural Reserve